Erik Ten Hag probably didn’t plan on entering the transfer market for a new left back this summer, but injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have somewhat forced his hand. Manchester United have been left shorthanded at the back and so speculation is swirling over a number of potential late additions.

Marc Cucurella has been mentioned as a target. The Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea despite making the £56m transfer to Stamford Bridge only last year and so recent reports claim United could make a loan bid with the summer transfer window set to close on Friday evening.

While Cucurella struggled badly for Chelsea last season, his quality can’t be denied. The 25-year-old was a standout performer for Brighton and has also proven himself in La Liga for Barcelona and Getafe. Many still believe Barca should have kept hold of Cucurella such has been their own struggle to find a new left back in recent times.

However, Cucurella is most comfortable playing as a wing back with a back three behind him as a safety net. He is an attack-minded player. His defensive instincts are generally not strong enough to allow him to play in an orthodox back four and that could be an issue for Manchester United who use this defensive structure.

Shaw is an extremely important figure for United. He gives Erik Ten Hag’s team a way to progress the ball out from the back. Without him, the Old Trafford side might struggle to construct attacking moves from deep, which goes some of the way to explaining why Ten Hag is open to the idea of adding Cucurella on loan.

Marcos Alonso has also been linked with a late transfer to Manchester United, although the Spaniard is still considered a first team figure for Barcelona. Sergio Reguilon could leave Tottenham Hotspur before Friday’s deadline and he’s another left back believed to be on Ten Hag’s radar.

Manchester United’s summer business has come under the microscope after an underwhelming start to the season. Ten Hag pushed for the signing of Mason Mount, but the England international has struggled to find a role in United’s midfield. Andre Onana has improved United’s possession play, but has also made mistakes. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund is injured.

Defensively, United appear vulnerable and a new left back to cover for the absence of Shaw and Malacia would help them move forward. Ten Hag is under pressure with Manchester United struggling to find their groove. It’s important he gets his business in the final few days of the transfer window right.