Manchester United divides fans with shock Luke Shaw replacement

In a twist that has left fans divided, Manchester United is reportedly considering a surprising swoop for former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso to fill the gap left by the latest injury setback to Luke Shaw.

The Red Devils, who have already been working on strengthening their left-sided defense, may now turn to the 33-year-old free agent after Shaw was sidelined with a calf injury.

Despite Alonso’s successful stint at Chelsea, where he played a key role in their 2016/17 Premier League triumph, the potential move has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans are questioning the logic behind signing a veteran who might not fit Erik ten Hag’s tactical setup, while others see Alonso’s experience as a valuable addition during a crucial season.

This potential acquisition has sparked a wave of reactions from the Old Trafford faithful, with opinions sharply divided on whether Alonso is the right fit for the club.

Luke Shaw’s injury woes have been a recurring theme, with the England international already having missed significant playing time due to a hamstring problem earlier this year. United, aware of Shaw’s fragility, had been quietly working behind the scenes to bolster their left-sided defense even before this latest setback.

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The club’s summer transfer strategy has focused primarily on younger talents, exemplified by the signing of 18-year-old Leny Yoro for a hefty £52 million. However, the absence of Luke Shaw has forced United to rethink their approach, leading them to consider the experienced Alonso.

Alonso, now 33, is no stranger to the Premier League. He played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s 2016/17 title-winning campaign, where his attacking prowess and set-piece skills made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge.

Over six seasons with Chelsea, Alonso found the net 29 times, a remarkable tally for a defender. Yet, his time in England wasn’t without criticism, particularly regarding his defensive positioning and suitability in a traditional back-four system—a setup preferred by United’s current manager, Erik ten Hag.

The potential move for Alonso comes after United’s failed attempt to secure him last summer, opting instead for a loan deal with Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon.

With Alonso now a free agent after his release from Barcelona, United sees an opportunity to bring in a seasoned player who can provide immediate cover and experience. But this potential signing has been met with skepticism from some quarters of the fanbase.

Social media has been abuzz with mixed reactions. Critics argue that signing a 33-year-old defender, whose best days may be behind him, is not the ambitious move United needs.

One fan exclaimed, “Crikey, he’s 33!”

Another lamented, “They haven’t learned… maybe in a hard way.”

Others voiced concerns about Alonso’s fit in Ten Hag’s system, with one supporter suggesting, “Sign Ferdi Kadioglu. We can’t succeed with workarounds every season.”

However, not all fans are against the idea. Some see Alonso as a smart, short-term solution to a pressing problem. “I wouldn’t mind Marcos Alonso on a free but would prefer Ferdi or Sergio Reguilon,” one fan commented