---
title: "United could sign left-back in January"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/11/22/united-sign-left-back-january/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Transfer News"
published: "2015-11-22T18:37:59Z"
modified: "2015-11-22T18:37:59Z"
---

# United could sign left-back in January

Manchester United could sign a new left-back in the January transfer window, [according to ESPN](https://www.espnfc.com/story/2722396/man-united-set-to-move-for-left-back-in-january).

United are without a natural replacement for long-term absentee Luke Shaw, who suffered a serious injury in September’s 2-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven.

Manager Louis van Gaal said:

> *I was convinced Luke would have a very good season and because of that I didn’t buy a second player for left-back. Maybe we have to buy a left-back in January.*

Van Gaal even [said](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/it-shall-season-luke-shaw-6153870) on United’s pre-season tour in July that “it shall be the season of Luke Shaw”.

It seems that van Gaal does not regard either of Daley Blind or Marcos Rojo as a second left-back and that belief would become more apparent if United did move for another player in the position.

![Julian Finney/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2015/11/4848403341.jpg)

One potential option would be former Chelsea and now AS Roma defender Ashley Cole.

The Englishman has not yet played for the Italian side this term and so it seems that the 34-year-old would at least be available. He would also fit the bill in terms of allowing Shaw to resume his role in the side once he has recovered from his injury, as it would be unlikely to see Cole making the position his own for a long time.

On Shaw’s recovery, van Gaal also said:

> Luke’s rehabilitation is going well but the process can be very slow. I don’t know if he will play again this season. The doctors won’t take any risks with him, which is good.

Shaw completed all of United’s first seven matches of the season and provided the assist for Juan Mata’s goal away to Swansea City in August.