Manchester United's mixed transfer window is drawing to a close, with one area in particular still needing attention. United have made successful additions in midfield, with Carlos Baleba following Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans through the door. Nevertheless, there will be disappointment if United fail to strengthen on the left side of defence.
Left-back options thin
Another option to Luke Shaw is required, with the long-serving left-back entering the final 12 months of his contract. Lewis Hall is a longstanding target but Newcastle have no intention of selling. Regarding potential departures, talk surrounding Marcus Rashford's future persists after he turned down a switch to Fenerbahce.
Arsenal weigh up Rashford loan
Despite his reintegration into the first-team setup, Rashford could still move on soon. The latest link involves Arsenal, who need a replacement for Saudi-bound Gabriel Martinelli. According to the Independent, the Premier League champions are considering whether to table a loan offer for the enigmatic forward. Whether United would approve a third loan spell for Rashford remains uncertain, though they could at least anticipate the Gunners covering the majority of his £325,000 per week wages.
A more pressing target for the Gunners is Atletico Madrid's unsettled striker, Julian Alvarez, whose desired switch to Barcelona has been blocked. Returning to Rashford, there has been unexpected speculation that Barcelona haven't dismissed the possibility of re-signing him, despite declining the option to make his move permanent following last season's loan. According to TeamTalk, Barca remain in contact with Rashford's camp.
Evra: Shaw's time has gone
Patrice Evra has urged United to bring in a replacement for Shaw. While holding considerable respect for his fellow left-back, the Frenchman believes the moment has arrived to replace the 30-year-old, whose Old Trafford career has been plagued by injury. Speaking on his Kick stream, Evra criticised Shaw's display at Hull last weekend.
He said: "What I'm really disappointed about is all the back passes in that game. Luke Shaw, I love you, but it's going to be a tough season for him. Why? He's been at the club for years, he's had a lot of injuries that killed his football career. When I talk with him, he's still traumatised by [the injuries], he wouldn't go 100 per cent into every challenge."
"I have to tell the truth. Man United fans want to hear my opinion, and I think [Shaw's] time has gone. Don't get me wrong, he might have a great game next game, but I don't care. If Luke Shaw can give me a 35-game season, then that's a good season. I don't care if he has 10 good games and three bad ones, if he doesn't play at least 35 games in a row, Man United fans will go crazy. He's lucky because he's English. I love Luke Shaw, but I love Man United even more. That's why I'm saying they need another left-back."
