Erik ten Hag must do something he hasn't yet managed at Manchester United in left-back transfer hunt

Erik ten Hag would not have expected left-back to be such a pressing concern in the final week of the transfer window but circumstances beyond his control have made it so.

Manchester United ended last season with three senior options on the left side of defence and then welcomed Alvaro Fernandez back from a successful loan spell at Preston North End. A pre-season injury for Tyrell Malacia has kept the young Dutchman out since, but even going into the new campaign, the position was over-staffed.

It's why Brandon Williams joined Ipswich Town on loan last week and also why there have been talks with Granada over another temporary move for Fernandez. But news of Luke Shaw's injury has changed the landscape and left United scrambling for reinforcements with four days until the window shuts.

Ten Hag has an encouraging hit rate when it comes to his signings at United, with most of his major arrivals an undoubted success. But one area in which he has struggled is in sourcing swift replacements to put out unexpected fires.

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United were left without a fit striker going into the January market last season, with Cristiano Ronaldo axed after an explosive interview in which he said he had no respect for Ten Hag. Anthony Martial was not fit at the time and so the Reds boss needed a replacement, and quick.

Viable options were few and far between and so United secured a half-season loan for Wout Weghorst. And while the 31-year-old's effort could never be questioned, two goals in 26 appearances cannot be seen as a success.

United were dealt another late blow at the end of January when a rash tackle from Andy Carroll left