Erik ten Hag had a successful first season in charge of Manchester United, helping to break the team’s six-year trophy drought and winning a return to the Champions League, which is considered to be the ultimate prize.

The 53-year-old’s ability to change some of United’s previously struggling players was a crucial factor in his success last season. Marcus Rashford, in particular, had a fresh lease on life after scoring 30 goals in all competitions in 2022–23, 25 more than the season before.

Luke Shaw appears to have benefited as well from the former Ajax player’s hiring, with his manager hailing the Englishman as a “leader” and a “great player” after he regained his position following a difficult start to the season.

The former Southampton player made an impression after switching to the centre of defence at times last season. Wes Brown, a former United player, claimed that the 28-year-old was “unbelievable” in that starting position.

Ten Hag, who is obviously a fan of the defender’s ability, might possibly sign Real Madrid star David Alaba this summer, who can play at full-back or in the centre of defence and is another player with versatility similar to Shaw.

What’s new with Alaba joining Manchester United?

Recent Spanish sources claim that the Old Trafford team is displaying’serious’ interest in the 31-year-old, and they even imply that they may already have a ‘pre-agreement’ with the former Bayern Munich player.

The rumour is that Ten Hag is “obsessed” with acquiring the seasoned player, and Alaba may be planning to switch from Madrid to Manchester like Raphael Varane and Casemiro did.

Alaba should Man United get him.

Due to his advanced age, the Vienna native might only be a temporary fix, but the £372k per week ace might fit in seamlessly with a defence that already has players like Lisandro Martinez, Varane, and Shaw.

Alaba might help to provide more insurance and competition for Martinez as a natural fit at left center-back, with ex-captain Harry Maguire possibly likely to be on the move. Ten Hag is thought to prefer a left-footer in that position, as he stated earlier this season:

“In possession, you have better angles because left-footers are better oriented on the left side.”

Shaw was reportedly moved into that central position last season for this reason, though the Madrid star could fill that position if necessary since he has been hailed as “one of the best in the world at center-back,” according to former Bayern colleague Joshua Kimmich.

Alaba is also a “outstanding” option at left-back, in Kimmich’s opinion, similar to Shaw, who his manager has referred to as the “best left full-back in the UK.” Alaba is notable for having tallied 88 goals and assists in 431 games during his previous tenure in Germany.

While the two would appear to compete for a starting spot in each position, Ten Hag’s ability to rely upon such seasoned and capable choices in those two spots is truly a dream come true, and that signing just serves to increase the strength in depth for the upcoming season.

Acquiring a potential clone in the form of Alaba should also be profitable given that Shaw is currently thriving at the Theatre of Dreams under the Dutch tactician.