Manchester United’s and manager Erik ten Hag’s issues are piling after just two games into the current Premier League season.
The team has three points from their first two games, but the group’s performance, particularly in midfield and attack, has been a significant letdown.
The Dutch manager intended to address those issues through the transfer market, intending to bring in at least one new midfielder before the transfer season closed.
Luke Shaw is sidelined with an injury.
However, with the muscular injury to left-back Luke Shaw, those plans may be changing.
While it was initially assumed that the England international would be sidelined for a few weeks, the newest prediction is that Shaw will be out for two months.
This is likely to prompt the Red Devils to scout the market for a suitable answer.
Brandon Williams has already been loaned to Championship club Ipswich, while back-up full-back Tyrell Malacia has been injured since pre-season.
Ten Hag has only Diogo Dalot and Alvaro Fernandez as possibilities. Last season, the Portuguese played well there, and he also flourished there during his loan spell at AC Milan.
The academy graduate, who starred on loan at Championship club Preston North End last season, might have his loan to Granada CF revoked.
If he does depart, United will need an experienced player to replace him, and former Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand is one of the candidates being mentioned, according to The Daily Express.
“Express Sport understands that senior figures at Old Trafford are considering Ryan Bertrand, with the club deciding to try and reinforce the position before next week’s transfer deadline.”
Ryan Bertrand, a surprise target
“Talks are still at an early stage, but contact has been made with the player’s entourage regarding what would be a surprising free transfer,” the newspaper continued.
The 34-year-old is currently a free agent and most recently played for Leicester City, where he missed the full season due to knee surgery.
He is apparently back to full fitness and is exercising with the loan development group at his former club Chelsea, where he won the Champions League in 2012.
The England international is not the only name on United’s shortlist; other names are also being considered. Bertrand is also being courted by teams in Europe and the Middle East.