Man Utd to intensify full-back search with Erik ten Hag’s options seriously depleted

Tyrell Malacia not part of United’s squad for US tour with Aaron Wan-Bissaka the only senior full-back

Manchester United are expected to step up their search for full-back reinforcements with Erik ten Hag at risk of being left short in the position heading into the new season.
United flew to Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon for the start of their pre-season tour of the US with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who could be sold this summer, as the only senior full-back available to Ten Hag.
Tyrell Malacia was not among the travelling party and, in a worrying development, still appears to be some way off a return even though it is already 14 months now since the left-back last played for United owing to a serious knee injury.
With fellow left-back Luke Shaw and right-back Diogo Dalot also missing following their involvement at Euro 2024 with England and Portugal respectively, Ten Hag has included teenage full-backs Harry Amass and Sam Murray in the tour squad as cover.
Wan-Bissaka has travelled but the right-back, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford, is attracting interest from Premier League clubs, including West Ham, and Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in Turkey and could be sold if he does not opt to run down his deal.
There are only 23 days until United kick off the new Premier League season at home to Fulham and the lack of experienced, quality cover at full-back is likely to be a concern for Ten Hag.
Noussair Mazraoui, the Bayern Munich and Morocco defender, is thought to be a potential option at right-back should Wan-Bissaka leave while United are exploring permanent and loan possibilities in the left-back position.
Tyrick Mitchell has a year left on his contract at Crystal Palace and United have also been linked with Feyenoord’s Slovakia defender David Hancko, who can operate as a left-sided centre-back and left-back.
Malacia has not played for United since a 2-1 win on the final day of the 2022-23 season. The Dutchman, a £14.7 million signing from Feyenoord in July 2022, had originally been due back in January but suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury and United feel his recovery is best served by remaining in Manchester.
Shaw, 29, has averaged fewer than 18 Premier League starts per season over the past decade at Old Trafford and was plagued by injury problems last term, when he made just 15 appearances all told.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had pleaded half in jest with Shaw not to suffer another hamstring injury with England at the Euros when the defender was only fit enough to play from the quarter-finals onwards. He started in the final defeat to Spain.
It is unclear if Shaw or Dalot, who reached the quarter-finals with Portugal, will join the tour at any stage although both are entitled to a minimum three-week break following their international exploits and on Wednesday it did not sound like either would fly out.
Other absentees include Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho, who both won the Copa America with Argentina this summer, captain Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Facundo Pellistri and goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, as well as new signing Joshua Zirkzee, who reached the Euro semi-finals with the Netherlands. Striker Rasmus Hojlund has been handed the No.9 shirt now that Anthony Martial has left. Hojlund wore No.11 last season.