Manchester United 'eye' Luke Shaw replacement but must act fast as Real Madrid hold key clause

Manchester United are currently on course for their joint second lowest finish in the Premier League era as Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to make some significant changes to the club in his first summer transfer window.

The Red Devils recruitment has been the subject of great scrutiny since Alex Ferguson and David Gill’s departure from the club over a decade ago with many players failing to live up to the standards of their predecessors from the 1990s and early 2000s.

Injuries have played a key part in the club’s struggles this season and one position that has particularly come under the spotlight this season is the left back area, where Manchester United have often operated without a recognised player due to the injuries of both Luke Shaw and forgotten man Tyrell Malacia.

This has led to natural right backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot and even at time centre back Victor Lindelof all operating as makeshift left backs, while new central midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was also played out of position during a defeat to Galatasaray earlier in the season.

Regardless of who the manager is next season, it is reported by Fabrizio Romano that the left back area is a priority for next season, and with Shaw’s injury record it is crucial that they add further cover.

TeamTalk understands that Ratcliffe will aim to make Girona left back Miguel Gutierrez the club’s first signing of the summer. The Spaniard is a product of the highly esteemed Real Madrid academy, who has played for Spain at several age groups from U17 to U21.

Gutierrez made nine appearances for the Spanish giants, but it was his move to Girona in 2022 which really propelled him to the big time. Since moving to Catalonia, Gutierrez has made 62 league appearances and counting, and has helped inspire the team into an unlikely title race. 

The 22-year-old has been described by Spanish journalists as an exceptionally well rounded star and that his epitomised by his incredible creative statistics which show he has created more big chances (14) than any other player in the division - likewise his statistics even trump those over Bruno Fernandes (13) despite playing in a much deeper role for a team that few expected to be challenging at the top end of the table.

TeamTalk understands that Real Madrid exclusively have a buy-back clause of £6.8m meaning Manchester United would need to move quickly to get the move over the line. Arsenal, who are also in the market for a left back, are also believed to be admirers of the defender and it is reported that several scouts have been sent to watch him throughout the season.