Man Utd consider Bertrand as surprise replacement for Shaw

Posted Sunday, December 13, 2015 by squawka.com

Manchester United have identified Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand as a surprise replacement for the injured Luke Shaw, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

Shaw hasn’t featured since suffering a serious injury in September and isn’t expected to return until much later in the campaign.

United don’t have a natural replacement for the England international at their disposal, with several different players having been used at left-back in his absence, such as Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Matteo Darmian and Guillermo Varela.

The report suggests that United are willing to pay €27 million (£20m) in order to secure the services of Bertrand.

Bertrand has fared well since joining Southampton from Chelsea in 2014 and has been particularly impressive this campaign.

The defender, who has an average pass accuracy of 78% in the Premier League this season, has caught the eye for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Bertrand, who has won 44% of his duels in the top flight this campaign, also provides an attacking threat from left-back and, at the age of 26, would help to add some much-needed experience to United’s defence.

United are likely to be heavily active in the January transfer window, especially as they seek to rebuild following their Champions League exit in midweek.

United manager Louis van Gaal has attracted some criticism for his transfer dealings since taking charge, with Angel Di Maria, for instance, departing the club after just one season after he failed to settle at Old Trafford.