Despite Victor Lindelöf’s imminent signing for Manchester United, the Reds still need to strengthen at the back, especially on the left-hand side of defence.
Last season saw José Mourinho’s side struggle for a consistent performer at left-back, with Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young all used at various points throughout the campaign.
Shaw, who was supposed to be first-choice after recovering from a horrific leg break the previous season, never managed to find the glimpses of form he showed before the injury and spent most of the season being criticised by Mourinho for his work ethic.
Meanwhile, Blind and Rojo were mainly used as centre-backs, with nominal right-back Darmian rounding out the season as first-choice on the opposite side. Although the Italian international has not been consistent during his time at Old Trafford, he ended the season well, showing that he could be a rotational option under Mourinho.
That leaves a gaping hole at left-back for a standout performer to fill and with a return to the Champions League forthcoming this season for United, Mourinho will be looking for a reliable option to count on throughout. Here are five left-backs that the Reds could target this summer:
Raphael Guerreiro
The Portuguese international played a big part in his country’s Euro 2016 triumph and carried that form to his new club Dortmund in his maiden Bundesliga season.
An attacking full-back, Guerreiro also brings tactical versatility to the table, being able to play anywhere down the left-hand side and even in central midfield.
However, the one thing United would be worried about is his injury record – he was kept out for several spells last season with niggly injuries and that is something that Mourinho would rather avoid.
Benjamin Mendy
Mendy enjoyed a breakout season as one of Monaco’s shining lights last season and is being tracked by a host of top European clubs, including United’s crosstown rivals City.
Another attacking full-back that flourishes on the overlap, his crossing ability is among the best in Europe at the moment and his consistency in putting balls into dangerous areas makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
His experience at the absolute pinnacle of European football may be a disadvantage, but he’s shown that he can mix it with the best.
Alex Grimaldo
The Spanish under-21 international was surprisingly let go by Barcelona for a paltry €1.5 million to Portuguese champions Benfica, but he’s shown that to be a premature decision.
Similar in style to Jordi Alba, Grimaldo has all the qualities of a modern full-back: quick, good crossing ability and the stamina to get up and down the pitch at will.
However, just like Guerreiro, he does not have a good injury record and a muscle injury ruled him out for a large part of last season.
Alex Sandro
The Brazilian international cemented his place as one of the world’s best full-backs with his scintillating performances for Juventus last season.
His strong tackling and tactical awareness make him a solid defender, but it’s his forays up the pitch that make the 26-year-old a world beater and one of the best in the business.
Given that Juve have just made the Champions League final and the fact that he’s signed a new three-year deal, this transfer seems highly unlikely to happen.
Ryan Bertrand
Out of left field this one, but Bertrand has been impressive for Southampton for a number of seasons now, and is perhaps ready to make the step up to a bigger club.
His performances at club level have finally seen him earn consistent England recognition and his style would definitely suit United – a marauding, attacking full-back is what the club needs.
However, the one thing that would put United off is his price, with the figure sure to be inflated as the Saints would be selling to a fellow Premier League club.