Manchester United may finally be willing to part ways with the long-serving Luke Shaw after recently highlighting his potential replacement, who is currently shining in the Premier League.
United need to find Luke Shaw REPLACEMENT?!
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Luke Shaw has been at Manchester United for an impressive 12 years, winning the League Cup twice, the FA Cup twice, and the Europa League.
His 12th year, despite a lack of silverware, was arguably one of his most impressive, as he featured in all 38 Premier League games, which, for a man with his injury record, is no mean feat.
However, last season has somewhat lulled Manchester United into a false sense of security, putting their faith in Luke Shaw as their only properly recognised left-back for another season. This has instantly backfired, as out of the first seven matches, Shaw has only been available for four.
The reason many fans are so surprised by the club's faith in Luke Shaw is the sheer severity of his injury record. In five of his 12 seasons, Shaw failed to reach 20 appearances in all competitions, leaving United in huge trouble on multiple occasions in the past.
The story of United's desperate need for a new left-back was the talk of the town during the summer, as it was clearly the position that lacked the most depth, and, as it continued into the January transfer window, more and more updates about his replacement emerged.
United's next left-back target
According to Football Insider, "a deal at the end of the campaign is more feasible, given Mitchell is out of contract next summer and Palace have no desire to facilitate his departure midway through the season.
"Furthermore, the 27-year-old, who’s previously earned two senior caps for England, would ‘find it hard’ to reject a proposal from United.
This will be music to INEOS' ears as they can sign a Premier League proven player for free in the summer. However, this approach will negatively affect United, as they will have to go another four months without signing another much-needed left-back.
Tyrick Mitchell is entering his eighth season at Crystal Palace and has started the season as one of the team's brightest sparks, being the current top scorer after his wonderful brace in their 3-2 victory away against Fulham.
Due to his long time at the club, who are seen by many as a 'stepping stone club' for players to grow and then move somewhere better, he may be really keen this summer to take the leap and join a bigger club.
Tactical stagnation and plummeting intensity have left Old Trafford reeling. To salvage the season, Carrick must overhaul recruitment failures, restore urgency, and empower a rising centrepiece.roundtable.ioMake Three Changes, Trust A Growing Star: How Michael Carrick Will Fix Man Utd
Tactical stagnation and plummeting intensity have left Old Trafford reeling. To salvage the season, Carrick must overhaul recruitment failures, restore urgency, and empower a rising centrepiece.
Is Tyrick Mitchell the best out there for Man United?
If United's plan is to break up their rebuild into sections, the attack last year, the midfield this year, and the defence next year, then they should have plenty of money to fund a complete overhaul, especially now that more revenue will come into the club thanks to Champions League football this season.
This means the club will be able to battle for their top targets, especially in the left-back area, but that said, who should their top target be?
Their main target all last summer was Lewis Hall from Newcastle as he was the perfect Luke Shaw replacement, great both defensively and attacking, and proven in the league. However, with the player signing a new five year contract with the Magpies, United will have to look elsewhere.
Another player in England that United have been linked with is Leif Davies from Ipswich, who has started the season similarly to Mitchell, registering two goals and an assist already in the league this year, even scoring at Old Trafford in their 5-2 loss.
However, despite showing some positive signs both this season and two seasons ago, the step up from Ipswich to Man United on paper just seems too huge.
United could also go back in for Alejandro Balde in the future, with him only making one appearance this season, and the two players ahead of him for the left-back spot, Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart, both scoring already this season, it is a huge doubt that he has a future at Barcelona.
There are many options for United to go for either in January or in the summer of next season, and it would be wise for the club to go for more than one, therefore it will be interesting if a deal for Tyrick Mitchell can transpire in the near future, and who could join him on the United shortlist.