Man United may already know perfect Luke Shaw replacement thanks to Ruben Amorim

Man United may already know perfect Luke Shaw replacement thanks to Ruben Amorim

With the official start of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, Manchester United may have the ideal left-back alternative waiting in the wings.

Since Erik ten Hag left United last month, Amorim has assumed his position as the team’s new head coach.

The 39-year-old spent four years at Sporting Lisbon before leaving to take over as United’s new manager.

Prior to Amorim’s first full season as manager, work will already be in progress on the possible transfer transaction that United may aim to complete in January and next summer.

The left-back is one position in the team that is probably going to be considered for reinforcements.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are the recognised left-back options in the United squad.

However, neither of the duo have played this season due to injuries, with Malacia not making a first-team appearance for the club since May 2023.

Malacia made his long-awaited return from a knee injury for the Under-21s earlier this week. Shaw, though, remains on the sidelines with a calf injury and it remains to be seen when the England international is available once again.

United have used several players at left-back this season to accommodate for the absences of Malacia and Shaw. Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui have been used in the role, as has centre-back Lisandro Martinez when required.

One player who could be on United’s agenda for either January or next summer is a familiar face for Amorim. Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes has entered the final 18 months of his contract with the Ligue 1 club, and there is no word yet on an extension being on the cards.

Mendes worked with Amorim during his time at Sporting before completing a £34million move to PSG in the summer if 2022 – having spent the previous campaign on loan – and his contract with the French giants is set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 season.

United already have experience in negotiating with PSG, having signed Manuel Ugarte from the Ligue 1 club last summer.

Mendes was handed his senior debut for Sporting by Amorim when he was just 17 years old, so it will be up to United to try and capitalise on the bond between the player and their new manager if they want to sign the left-back in the months ahead.

Mendes has made 10 appearances for PSG this season, with one goal and two assists to his name at left-back.

It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old and the French club will reach an agreement over a new contract, if not then it is only likely to lead to intense speculation around his future in Paris