It’s the most open secret in the Premier League that Manchester United want a left-back before the end of the transfer window. It’s arguably been a priority before this summer even kicked off.
With European football set to return to Old Trafford this season, Michael Carrick will have no guarantees over Luke Shaw’s fitness. After the England man benefitted more than most whilst playing one game a week last season, he’s likely to suffer without adequate cover when fixtures come thick and fast.
Man Utd’s UCL fixtures | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bayern Munich | Home | 8–10 September 2026 |
2 | Atlético Madrid | Away | 13/14 October 2026 |
3 | Roma | Home | 20/21 October 2026 |
4 | Sporting CP | Away | 3/4 November 2026 |
5 | RB Leipzig | Home | 24/25 November 2026 |
6 | Villarreal | Away | 8/9 December 2026 |
7 | Sabah FC | Home | 19/20 January 2027 |
8 | Como | Away | 27 January 2027 |
It’s why names like Lewis Hall have threatened to steal headlines alongside Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde. Both have been targets throughout the summer, but neither are any close to completing moves.
Instead, United have been forced into the market to assess the remaining options – leading them towards Aston Villa and Dutchman Ian Maatsen.
The former Chelsea youngster has taken the starting role in the Midlands following the departure of Lucas Digne, but could now be on the move to compound Unai Emery’s misery.
The Spaniard has already lost Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, who United snapped up earlier this summer. Losing Maatsen would be yet another blow.
Man Utd launch approach to sign Ian Maatsen
As reported by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Man United have now launched an approach to sign Maatsen from Aston Villa in a last-minute move. It remains to be seen how the Villans respond, but it’s an interesting turn for the Red Devils’ left-back search.
Now would be the perfect time to sign Maatsen, too. The Dutchman is finally ready for a starting place and has already featured against Paris Saint-Germain this season, as Villa suffered a narrow defeat.
In terms of replacing Shaw, the 24-year-old is up there with the perfect candidates. He’s just entering his prime when Shaw will be dipping past his, has the intensity to match Carrick’s system and is defensively secure. Add on the fact that he can play further up the pitch and it becomes an even wiser move from those at Old Trafford.
Premier League stats per 90 25/26 | Luke Shaw | Ian Maatsen |
|---|---|---|
Minutes | 3,231 | 1,599 |
Tackles | 2.06 | 2.42 |
Chances created | 0.45 | 1.46 |
Recoveries | 2.98 | 4.62 |
Top speed | 33.6 km/h | 34.6 km/h |
Dubbed “excellent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Maatsen would thrive in Carrick’s system. The Man United boss wants his side to win the ball back and counter in rapid fashion. Compared to the slower Shaw, the Villa man is far more suited.
Whether Villa are willing to lose yet another star remains the big question, however.
