Luke Shaw’s injury has been one of many setbacks for Manchester United in the first few weeks of the Premier League season, but there has been an update on the team’s efforts to add reinforcements before the transfer market closes on Friday.

Who would Man United like to take Luke Shaw’s place?

James Ducker, the Northern football writer for The Telegraph, claims that Manchester United is planning to make a deal for Barcelona’s left-back Marcos Alonso.

According to a story filed by the publication by Ducker, the Red Devils have reportedly spoken with the La Liga heavyweights about the possibility of acquiring Alonso this summer.

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The news is released as the team scrambles to find replacements for Shaw as he recovers from an injury.

What are the advantages of Marcos Alonso?

After Shaw suffered a terrible injury that will keep him out until November, Erik ten Hag will undoubtedly be rushing to locate the ideal replacement to strengthen and add quality to the left side of the defensive set-up.

The timing of the injury blow to Man United could not have been worse as Tyrell Malacia is also anticipated to be sidelined until November. As a result, Diogo Dalot was forced to play out of position at Old Trafford in the challenging 3-2 triumph over Nottingham Forest last weekend.

While Dalot put in an outstanding performance on the left flank, completing 6/7 of his long balls and winning 100% of his aerial duels, the Man United manager will be eager to sign a player who specialises in the crucial position in addition to having strong Premier League and Champions League experience.

Alonso’s tenure at Chelsea gives Ten Hag a player who is aware of the tenacity and qualities required to succeed at the highest level in the English top-flight while also being a success in Europe as a Champions League and Europa League winner. As a result, signing Alonso would be a great business decision for the Red Devils.

The Spanish sensation has had no trouble maintaining his position as one of the top full-backs in the top five European leagues since joining Barcelona last summer. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, progressive carries, pass completion, and touches per 90 minutes played.

Furthermore, according to WhoScored, the 32-year-old – who reportedly has a £43 million buy-out clause in his contract – has strengths in passing, key passes, finishing, ball interceptions, concentration, and defensive contribution, displaying a broad range of abilities that could be incredibly valuable in the Man United team over the course of the upcoming season.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Alonso has received high accolades from a variety of people. Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez waxed poetic about the left-back’s effect at Camp Nou, where he has been playing in a center-back role, last season:

He effectively covers his area and is successful in aerial combat. He aids us in the build-up and is surprisingly speedy for a player of his size. Marcos has been a fantastic addition to the team, and I am thrilled to have him there.

That being said, in terms of a quick fix, Man United won’t find many players in the remaining days of the transfer window who are better and more experienced than Alonso, and if they were to sign him, he could have a significant impact on their upcoming season by excellently filling in for Shaw.