Manchester United is reportedly looking to sign a player from La Liga as manager Erik ten Hag aims to make changes to the squad this summer. According to reports from Spain, noted by the Daily Express, the club has agreed to meet Real Madrid’s asking price for left-back Miguel Gutiérrez during the current transfer window.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking the helm at Manchester United, significant changes are anticipated at Old Trafford. The team has faced difficulties in the left-back position, with injuries to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia forcing them to play much of last season without a natural left-back. The management, in collaboration with INEOS, is focused on resolving this issue during the summer transfer window.
Gutiérrez left Real Madrid two years ago to join Girona, but the club retained a buy-back option, which they plan to activate this summer. Once they do so, they intend to sell him to Manchester United for an estimated fee of £34 million. The 22-year-old left-back was part of the Real Madrid squad that won the Champions League in 2022, underscoring his potential.
Shaw and Malacia both struggled with injuries, limiting Manchester United’s options at left-back last season. Shaw, in particular, has a history of fitness issues during his time at Old Trafford. His ongoing injury has also kept him out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros this summer, raising concerns about his reliability.
The left-back situation became so critical that players from other positions were forced to fill in. Defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and center-back Victor Lindelöf had to take on left-back roles due to the injury crisis, although neither option was particularly effective. Given these circumstances, it’s clear why ten Hag is eager to secure reinforcements.
Several top clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, are also interested in the Spanish international. However, Manchester United appears to be in the lead to sign him. Ten Hag’s dissatisfaction with his current left-back options has made this transfer a key priority for the club.
In addition to pursuing a left-back, Manchester United is also reportedly making strides in signing a new striker and a central defender, aiming to strengthen the squad in multiple areas before the new season starts.
