Man Utd add Ryan Bertrand to emergency transfer shortlist as late move pondered

Football Digest: Analysing Man Utd's failed recruitment

Manchester United have placed Ryan Bertrand on their shortlist of candidates to replace the injured Luke Shaw. Erik ten Hag and co are scouting out a short-term solution to a series of injury setbacks, and Bertrand has been a free agent since leaving Leicester City earlier this summer.

The Red Devils have been caught short on the left-hand side of defence, with Shaw set for several weeks on the sidelines due to a muscular problem. Tyrell Malacia is also out injured, while Brandon Williams joined Ipswich Town on loan earlier this week.

Express Sport understands that Bertrand is among the names being considered by senior figures at Old Trafford, with the club deciding to try and reinforce the position before next week’s transfer deadline.

Talks are still at an early stage, but contact has been made with the player’s entourage regarding what would be a surprising free transfer.

Jonny Evans also left the King Power Stadium as a free agent earlier this summer, and United are expected to offer him a one-year contract after the Northern Irishman impressed Erik ten Hag while training with the club.

Bertrand could therefore reunite with the 35-year-old if United opt to act on their initial interest, with other names also under consideration to solve Ten Hag’s injury woes.

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Betrand came through Chelsea’s academy and spent a decade on the books at Stamford Bridge, starting in the Blues’ Champions League final triumph over Bayern Munich in 2012. The full-back has also won 19 senior caps for England.

His career has been hampered by injuries since a six-year spell at Southampton came to an end in 2021. Last year, Bertrand underwent knee surgery and sat out the entirety of his second season with Leicester.

Now back to full fitness, Bertrand has been training with Chelsea’s loan development group in a bid to regain sharpness. Aside from United, the veteran has alternative transfer options in Europe and the Middle East.

With Shaw, Malacia and Williams out of contention, Alvaro Fernandez is the only recognised left-back currently at Old Trafford. Ten Hag also has the option of moving Diogo Dalot over from right-back, or shifting Lisandro Martinez out from central defence.

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