Ex-Chelsea and Barcelona player desperate to finalize surprise Manchester United move

According to reports, Marcos Alonso, the former Chelsea and Barcelona defender, is reportedly eager to make a move to Manchester United this summer.

Alonso was linked with a move to Old Trafford last month, with Erik ten Hag keen to recruit a left-back to provide cover for injury-prone Luke Shaw.

Shaw missed most of England’s Euro 2024 run before starting the final defeat to Spain. Earlier this week United confirmed he would miss at least the first three Premier League games of the season due to a calf injury.

The 29-year-old was absent for much of last season, forcing Ten Hag to use Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Diogo Dalot and Sofyan Amrabat out of position.

Barcelona released Alonso earlier in the summer, less than two years after signing him from Chelsea, and the left-back has reportedly been offered to Manchester United.

Alonso was also linked with the Red Devils last summer and while a move never materialised, he would jump at the chance to join the Manchester giants before this summer’s transfer deadline, according to Fabrizio Romano.

‘Marcos Alonso would love to go to Manchester United,’ he told GiveMeSport. ‘He has been offered to Manchester United in recent weeks, but there is nothing really concrete or advanced into it so far.

‘I think Manchester United will take some time before deciding who the player they really want to cover that position is, and will save their budget, save their money, and put their effort into a deal for the midfield.

‘They need a new midfielder, and the idea is to make it happen as the next step in the summer transfer window.’

Alonso made over 200 appearances for Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea, winning the Champions League and Europa League during his spell at Stamford Bridge.

The 33-year-old featured regularly for Barca during his first season at the Nou Camp but was released following an injury-hit 2023-24 campaign.

Manchester United have bolstered Ten Hag’s squad with the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui so far this summer.

Speaking at his first pre-match press conference of the new season, Ten Hag confirmed De Ligt and Mazraoui were in line to make their United debuts in the Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday night.

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