Manchester United considered a surprise name for their left-back position in the final days of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Argentinian World Cup winner Nicolas Tagliafico was one of the options discussed at Manchester United as they looked for another player to provide cover for Luke Shaw.
United were linked with a host of names for the left-back position. Lewis Hall was a strong case, but Newcastle didn’t entertain any offers, while Alejandro Balde was another name heavily linked with United.
Nicolas Tagliafico considered internally by Man Utd
Now Fabrizio Romano has revealed former World Cup winner was a secret name discussed.
“One secret deal that nobody knows about?” Romano said. “I can tell you that, for example, one of the players Manchester United considered at left back, because we know they were looking at left back, was also Nicolas Tagliafico.”
The Argentina international was also considered alongside Ian Maatsen and Balde. United ultimately decided not to take any of those options further, leaving Luke Shaw as their only senior left-back.
Romano stressed that the decision over Tagliafico came from within United rather than the player turning them down.
“Man United had Nicolas Tagliafico around the final days of the window as a possibility. Then they decided not to proceed for several reasons.”
“So it was an internal decision by United, it was not the player deciding or anyone else. So it was under consideration. Let’s say like this, alongside other names, Ian Maatsen and Alejandro Balde.”
Nicolas Tagliafico brings plenty of experience at the international level and was part of Argentina’s squad for the World Cup, featuring during their run to the final. He also has a winner’s medal from the 2022 World Cup.
