Manchester United are expected to be in the market for another left back this summer amid real problems in that area of the pitch this season.
Erik ten Hag has seen his United squad suffer injury after injury this season, barely able to pick his full-strength team.
Left back has been a particularly problematic area in that regard with Ten Hag running into no end of problems.
Tyrell Malacia picked up an injury in pre-season last summer and hasn’t made a single first-team appearance this season.
Luke Shaw then picked up an injury in August, prompting a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur’s Sergio Reguilon.
Reguilon was sent packing in January but Malacia hasn’t return and Shaw is back on the sidelines again.
Left back has been something of a cursed position for United this season and Fabrizio Romano claims that United plan to sign a young left back this summer.
Manchester United want Spanish talent
OGC Nice talent Melvin Bard is thought to be one prime target for United this summer but another name is emerging.
The Sunday Mirror (07/04, p70) report that United are interested in signing Girona talent Miguel Gutierrez this summer.
It’s stated that both Arsenal and United have been scouting Gutierrez closely ahead of a potential summer move.
Gutierrez is understood to have a £30million release clause in his contract but United fear that Real Madrid will ruin a potential move.
Real have a buy-back clause on Gutierrez having sold him to Girona in 2022 – and the value is just £7million.
Real could, of course, activate that clause and then sell Gutierrez on for a profit, potentially giving United some hope.
Yet Real are still in the market for a left back with Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies their top target – and Gutierrez could be a cheaper alternative.
Real did the same thing with Fran Garcia last summer, re-signing the left back thanks to a buy-back clause, and they could repeat the trick with Gutierrez.
That could throw a spanner in the works for United’s pursuit of Gutierrez and his situation is one to keep close tabs on ahead of the summer.
Who is Manchester United target Miguel Gutierrez?
Gutierrez hails from Madrid but actually started his career in the youth ranks of Getafe.
Real pounced in 2011 and whilst Jose Mourinho wanted to bring Gutierrez to United in 2017, but he rejected the move to stay in the Spanish capital.
After shining for the Real Madrid Castilla side, Gutierrez emerged into the first team picture and made 10 first-team appearances before heading to Girona.
The 22-year-old has excelled with Girona, notching one goal and four assists for La Liga’s surprise package.
Gutierrez has spent parts of this season playing as a left wing back, just ahead of former United defender Daley Blind, but has also operated as a left back in a four-man defence.
United may see Gutierrez as a long-term option at left back, but will be left waiting to hear whether Real activate their buy-back option before any deal can be secured.