Football Digest: Analysing Man Utd's failed recruitment

Manchester United have identified a surprise seventh name on their left-back shortlist as Erik ten Hag pursues late cover for Luke Shaw, according to reports. The Red Devils have drawn up several low-cost options as Ten Hag braces to go without Shaw for a few months through a muscle injury.

United are allegedly in talks with Chelsea over first-choice signing Marc Cucurella and have seen an initial offer countered by a £7million loan fee request.

While the Old Trafford giants have no intention to cough up that fee, they are working to reach a compromise to seal a season-long loan after agreeing personal terms with Cucurella.

But The Athletic have named five more options in the frame, highlighting Ten Hag’s desperation for reinforcements while Tyrell Malacia is also out injured.

Sergio Reguilon, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Alonso, Luke Thomas and Ryan Bertrand are under consideration if a move for Cucurella doesn’t materialise.

And Marca have added a new name to the left-back hunt, who will have fond memories of facing United in the 2021 Europa League final.

According to the Spanish outlet, United inquired about Villarreal’s Alfonso Pedraza as one of Ten Hag’s priority targets.

READ MORE Man Utd may be using Marc Cucurella as a smokescreen for a different signing[GOSSIP]

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However, Villarreal blocked Pedraza’s exit because the La Liga outfit had no intention to lose him on loan this summer.

The 27-year-old played 88 minutes as United drew 1-1 with the Yellow Submarine in normal time in Gdansk.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went on to suffer an agonising defeat on penalties as every single player netted before David de Gea’s effort was saved.

Pedraza has spent most of his career in Spain with Villarreal, Deportivo Alaves, CD Ludo and Real Betis.

But he has experience in English football, making 14 appearances for Leeds United in the 2016/17 Championship season.

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United’s hunt for left-back cover has dominated the final week of the summer transfer window ahead of Friday’s 11pm deadline.

Ten Hag will welcome Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to his ranks in a £4m deal once Dean Henderson’s £20m Crystal Palace switch is confirmed.

But his hopes of recruiting a second midfielder still depend on further outgoings. Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek’s exits are currently in doubt.

Bayindir and a loanee left-back would total United’s summer incomings at five after the arrivals of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund for a combined £179m before the season started.

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