Man Utd have a five-man shortlist for the next position that needs addressing in INEOS' squad rebuild

United are looking to strengthen in one key area.

Manchester United have drawn up a five-man shortlist for a position that is being prioritised for reinforcement this summer.

Man United endured a thoroughly underwhelming season in 2023-24, even if they did finish the campaign with victory in the FA Cup final against neighbours Manchester City.

Manager Erik ten Hag’s future looked uncertain to say the least, but after conducting a review of the season, United’s new minority owners INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to keep him and trigger a one-year extension in his contract.

With the Dutchman’s future sorted, United set about refreshing the playing squad ahead of the new season.

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Striker Joshua Zirkzee arrived from Bologna earlier this month, and was soon followed by £52 million defender Leny Yoro, who snubbed Real Madrid in order to move to Old Trafford.

United are in need of further reinforcements for a defensive backline that was decimated by injuries for much of last season.

Left-back Luke Shaw was limited to just 12 Premier League appearances due to two separate muscle injuries, while his natural deputy Tyrell Malacia missed the entire campaign with a knee issue.

United have drawn up a five-man shortlist of left-back targets to avoid a repeat of that situation.

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, United have looked at English youngster Archie Brown, who currently plays in Belgium with KAA Gent.

Marcos Alonso spent the last two seasons at Barcelona. (
Getty)

Feyenoord’s 26-year-old Slovakian defender David Hancko is also on the list, along with a few more familiar faces.

United bosses were impressed by Crystal Palace full-back Tyrick Mitchell last season, with the 24-year-old perhaps unfortunate not to earn a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon is also under consideration, even though he left United midway through last season.

The Spaniard was signed on a six-month loan spell last summer to provide emergency cover for Shaw and Malacia, but he returned to Tottenham after four months after a break clause in the agreement was activated.

According to The Mirror, former Chelsea star Marcos Alonso is being considered as a budget option after he left Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract earlier this summer.