Manchester United’s season hit a historic low after their 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, 8 November, at Old Trafford in the Premier League. The result saw the Red Devils drop into the relegation zone for the first time after nine or more games in the Premier League era.
United have managed just one win in 10 games this season, the fewest among the 20 teams in the top tier of English football. The Red Devils have also conceded 19 goals, with only Ipswich Town (20) and bottom-placed Crystal Palace (24) conceding more in the league.
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The situation has put a lot of pressure on Michael Carrick, who has consistently failed to replicate last season’s form. Recent reports suggest that the Englishman could lose his job during the international break.
However, simply changing the manager may not be enough, as there are a few areas in the squad that require urgent reinforcements, none more so than the left-back position.
United expected to sign a new left-back in January
United have been playing without a recognised left-back since the beginning of October, when Luke Shaw picked up an injury. The Englishman has subsequently missed the last seven games across competitions, with the Red Devils winning just one of them.
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Patrick Dorgu also had an extended period on the sidelines, so the Premier League giants had to use Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and even Ayden Heaven in the position in games. United are ruing the decision not to sign a new left-back in the summer, having courted several candidates for the job, including Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen.
The Dutchman ended up staying at Villa Park and has been quite impressive this season. With the Red Devils expected to sign a new left-back in the winter transfer window, they could consider rekindling their interest in the 24-year-old.
However, it now appears that prising him away at the turn of the year will not be easy.
I. Maatsen
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Maatsen close to Villa renewal
According to Football Insider, Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Maatsen regarding a new deal. The report states: “Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement for left-back Ian Maatsen to sign a new contract at the club, sources have told Football Insider.”
Maatsen is already under contract until 2030, but Villa are leaving nothing to chance amid the rising interest in the Dutchman. The report continues: “Sources say that Unai Emery and Co. have been hugely impressed by the Dutchman’s recent contributions, and are now ready to reward him with a new deal.”
The Birmingham-based club’s decision to keep hold of Maatsen over the summer has already paid dividends, with the player fast becoming indispensable under Unai Emery. The report concludes: “Both the club and Maatsen are happy with his situation in the second city, and neither have any plans to part ways any time soon.”
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While Maatsen may be off the market, that should not stop United from reinforcing the position this winter, as there are plenty of candidates on their wish list. One of them is David Raum, who will be available for a nominal fee in January.
Why?
✅ Maatsen is a long-term target for United.⚠️ Aston Villa are unlikely to let him leave in the middle of the season.
TPP view
We believe Aston Villa could tie Maatsen down to a new deal. However, it is unlikely to affect United’s plans as the player does not appear to be a priority for the position in January.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
