August 15th 2024.
According to reports, Marcos Alonso, the former defender for Chelsea and Barcelona, has expressed his interest in joining Manchester United this summer. After spending the last two seasons at Barcelona, Alonso is now looking for a new challenge and sees United as the perfect opportunity.
The 29-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford last month, with United's manager Erik ten Hag keen to recruit a left-back to provide cover for the injury-prone Luke Shaw. Shaw, who missed most of England's Euro 2024 run, recently suffered a calf injury and will be out for at least the first three Premier League games of the season.
Last season, Shaw's absence forced Ten Hag to use other players out of position, including Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot, and Sofyan Amrabat. This has highlighted the need for a reliable and experienced left-back, and Alonso fits the bill perfectly.
Alonso was released by Barcelona earlier in the summer, less than two years after signing him from Chelsea. It seems that he has now been offered to Manchester United, and according to reports, he would jump at the chance to join the Red Devils before the transfer deadline.
Speaking about the potential transfer, well-known journalist Fabrizio Romano said, "Marcos Alonso would love to go to Manchester United. He has been offered to them in recent weeks, but there is nothing concrete or advanced into it so far. I think Manchester United will take some time before deciding on which player they want to cover that position and will focus on signing a midfielder first."
Romano also added that United's priority in this transfer window is to strengthen their midfield, and they are willing to wait and save their budget for a deal in that position.
Alonso, who made over 200 appearances for Manchester United's Premier League rivals Chelsea, has a wealth of experience and has won both the Champions League and Europa League during his time at Stamford Bridge. Despite featuring regularly for Barcelona in his first season, he was released following an injury-hit campaign in 2023-24.
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui so far this summer. Ten Hag confirmed that De Ligt and Mazraoui are in line to make their debuts for United in the Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday night.
It will be interesting to see if United will make a move for Alonso before the transfer deadline, as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. As for Alonso, a move to Manchester United would be a dream come true for the experienced defender, and it remains to be seen if he will get the opportunity to wear the famous red jersey.
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