Five Star Left Backs Who Could Step Up and Fill Luke Shaw's Boots at Man Utd

Manchester United's squad overhaul is expected to be a three-year undertaking, sparked by a dismal 2024–25 season that ended in the embarrassment of a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils then launched a major attacking overhaul, investing over $200 million in three forwards, including two who were among the Premier League's most clinical performers during the previous campaign.

A midfield rebuild followed after Michael Carrick guided the club to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification, having taken over from Ruben Amorim at the beginning of the year. While domestic rivals have largely ignored financial restrictions — none more brazenly than their neighbors — United at least showed some restraint when restructuring their central midfield.

However, questions have been raised about whether INEOS has left the new manager short-handed, given the increased demands of European competition and rising expectations. Weaknesses persist in this United squad, particularly at the back, and there had been an assumption that new signings would come late in the summer transfer window.

No such additions materialized, however, and concerns are mounting at left back. Luke Shaw is 31 and has entered the final year of his deal following a surprisingly injury-free 2025–26 campaign. While the experienced defender remains a capable option, Carrick is banking on his fitness holding up through a heavier fixture schedule.

The current backup options leave much to be desired, limiting United's effectiveness in possession, though the club will have another opportunity to bring in better cover or a genuine challenger in the January window.

Here are five left backs United could pursue in 2027.

Alejandro Balde

Alejandro Balde genuinely appeared to be Jordi Alba's natural long-term replacement and one of the continent's top left backs when he first broke into Barcelona's first team. Balde was particularly impressive during the club's La Liga title-winning season of 2022–23, contributing six assists across 33 appearances.

An Achilles tendon injury at the start of 2024 left him playing catch-up once Hansi Flick succeeded Xavi Hernández, though he still featured in 32 league matches during Flick's debut season and wasn't entirely sidelined by the German in the following campaign.

The Barça manager has increasingly turned to other options at left back over the past year, however, with Balde's attitude and commitment coming under scrutiny. His rapport with Flick has deteriorated, and a departure for the 22-year-old next year appears all but certain, particularly with Xavi Espart establishing himself for the Blaugrana at the start of the new season.

Balde was linked with Manchester United during the summer and would represent a high-profile signing capable of exciting supporters. There is plenty to admire about the Spaniard, but the Red Devils should proceed carefully. There is a clear reason he has been pushed down the pecking order under Flick, and why he has earned just seven Spain caps — with his last international appearance dating back to 2023.

Rayan Aït-Nouri

While the likes of Denis Law and Peter Schmeichel have represented both sides of the Manchester divide, direct transfers between the two clubs are exceedingly rare.

Frédéric Veseli was the last first-team-age player to switch directly between the clubs back in 2012, though he never made a Premier League appearance for either side.

United cast a fairly wide net during their late-summer search for a left back, but local options were also considered. City's Rayan Aït-Nouri was among those evaluated, and BBC Sport reports that United could have secured the Algerian's signature had they chosen to pursue it.

They ultimately decided against making a move, but Aït-Nouri was a genuine option on the table.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender offers a distinctive profile, combining exceptional technical ability in possession with relatively modest defensive contributions. He gives the impression of someone who is more naturally a creative player than a traditional full back, given his desire to influence matches with the ball.

He would undoubtedly provide United with greater build-up play and creativity in advanced positions, but the club appeared unconvinced during the summer, and Aït-Nouri has had limited opportunity under Enzo Maresca to alter that perception after dropping to third choice.

Joaquin Seys

Manchester United may look for a short-term fix at left back in January. They have taken that approach before, bringing in Spurs' Sergio Reguilón on loan for the 2023–24 season at the close of the summer window. The Spaniard contributed little and was returned after just four months.

If the Red Devils are instead looking for their left back of the future, Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys may well be worth monitoring.

Brugge has established itself as a top-tier talent factory, with their standout performers over the past couple of seasons attracting attention from Europe's elite clubs. In 2025, Ardon Jashari moved to AC Milan, while Maxim De Cuyper and Chemsdine Talbi secured Premier League transfers. This summer, Arsenal moved for Christos Tzolis and Inter Milan acquired Aleksandar Stanković.

Seys is among the young talents who could be on the move next year, given his growing reputation and international involvement. He has earned eight caps for Belgium and featured in Rudi Garcia's World Cup squad.

The 21-year-old's recent outing against France's Ousmane Dembélé highlighted his solid defensive fundamentals, and the youngster also possesses a well-rounded skill set when in possession.

Destiny Udogie

When fully fit and in form, Destiny Udogie is among the Premier League's finest left backs. Unfortunately for Spurs fans, they have rarely witnessed the dynamic Italy international who first made such an impression at the start of his time in north London.

Injuries have been the main culprit, with Udogie enduring a string of physical setbacks.

The fitness concerns are certainly enough to give United pause, but Udogie's ability is undeniable, and if he can finally put his injury troubles behind him, a potential suitor could emerge to capitalize should Tottenham's struggles persist.

Spurs headed into the international break rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, and there is a very real possibility that the Roberto De Zerbi era unravels before the season is out.

David Raum

Lewis Hall would be the ideal target, but his contract renewal with Newcastle United almost certainly puts him out of reach for the Red Devils in the near term — unless they are prepared to pay an extravagant fee.

RB Leipzig's David Raum has emerged as a widely discussed alternative, with the 28-year-old representing not just a stopgap solution but a left back who could hold down the position for several years.

Raum captains Leipzig, and the German club are eager to open contract extension discussions. His current deal runs out next summer, meaning they risk losing him at a reduced price in January or on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Manchester United will undoubtedly be monitoring the situation closely. Raum has been a consistent attacking contributor throughout his senior career thanks to his outstanding delivery from wide areas, registering 30 assists for Leipzig in just under 150 appearances.