Man Utd identify three transfer targets to fix problem position for Ruben Amorim

Manchester United are investigating a number of possible transfer options as they look to strengthen their left-back position.

It's a problem situation that the club was keen to address internally, even before the arrival of new boss Ruben Amorim, due to the endless fitness problems of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacca.

Shaw is yet to feature for United this season following his late appearance in Euro 2024 with England, while Malacia recently completed the first half of an EFL Trophy match against Huddersfield Town as he speeds up his recovery.

While summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has provided ample cover for the defensive duo, United are looking to bring in a new left-sided player tailor-made for Amorim's 3-4-3 system.

There are three main names of note so far; Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, Alvaro Fernandez Carreras of Benfica and Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth.

Davies, who has also been courted by Real Madrid, will become a free agent in June if he fails to agree a new contract with Bayern.

His situation remains open as the Bundesliga giants are keen to extend the Canadian international's stay in Bavaria amid a long-winded, complicated contract saga.

However, a significant gap remains on wage demands and despite several rounds of talks, negotiations between the parties are yet to bear fruit and there are indications that Davies is keen to take on a new challenge.

United would need to win over both Davies and his agent Nedal Huoseh if they want to make a move for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos believed to be the 24-year-old's preferred destination.

Meanwhile, former United Academy star Carreras has made a huge impression at Benfica since his loan move was turned into a permanent transfer worth £7.5million including add-ons earlier this summer.

Crucially, United have a buy-back clause worth around £16.7m and former boss Erik ten Hag confirmed the club's interest in their former player in mid-October, before he was sacked.

Checks are being carried out on the 21-year-old, but any deal would also be subject to Amorim's approval as he demands certain qualities from his active full-backs.

Furthermore, Bournemouth ace Kerkez, who recently recorded two assists in the 2-1 win over Manchester City, was the subject of scouting checks long before Amorim's arrival.

The Hungary international, 21, is also being tracked by Liverpool and Chelsea, which is sure to boost his transfer rating.

Reds sporting director Richard Hughes brought the defender to Bournemouth in July 2023 and Arne Slot also knows Kerkez from his time at AZ Alkmaar.

The sticking point for United is that finances appear to be tight after a series of big transfer splashes under Ten Hag, so any move for a left-back may have to wait until the end of the season. Bournemouth are also under no pressure to sell Kerkez as he is tied to a long-term contract at the Vitality Stadium.