Van Gaal scouting international left-back ahead of January window

Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal has admitted that his side may be planning to sign a new left-back during the transfer window in the absence of Luke Shaw.

The Mirror identify this player as Wolfsburg full-back Ricardo Rodriguez, and note that the Red Devils have scouted the Switzerland international ahead of a possible move.

Shaw, who endured an injury-hit campaign last season, was ruled out for six months after suffering a double leg-break following a forceful tackle from PSV Eindhoven defender Hector Moreno in the Champions League.

While the Mirror understand that Shaw will return to action before the season ends—and thus may still be in contention for England’s Euro 2016 squad—van Gaal is still considering signing a new left-back.

''I was convinced Shaw would have a very good season,” the Dutch coach began, as per the Mirror. “Because of that I didn’t buy a second player for left-back because I thought he would play more or less every game.

''Maybe now we have to buy a left-back.”

Perhaps van Gaal’s decision has been prompted by United’s uncertain performance against Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

While the Red Devils ultimately won the match, they left it late, and were almost punished when Marcos Rojo—the would-be stand-in for Shaw—came on as a substitute only to give away a penalty.

Daley Blind started the match at left-back, but the Dutchman hasn’t always looked comfortable as part of the backline.