EPL Index
·26 August 2023
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·26 August 2023
Manchester United have faced their fair share of twists and turns, and this summer transfer window has been no different. The recent injury wave, with the standout concern being Luke Shaw’s sidelined weeks, has brought an unexpected name to the fore: Ryan Bertrand.
Former Leicester City full-back Bertrand, now unattached, finds himself in a unique position. The Daily Express has reported that Manchester United’s top brass are considering Bertrand as an emergency solution to their left-defence woes.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s insightful manager, along with his team, is scouting a practical solution to what’s rapidly becoming a problematic position. The left flank’s depth chart has dwindled with not just Shaw, but also Tyrell Malacia’s absence. Brandon Williams, a promising name, was recently shipped off to Ipswich Town on loan, leaving a noticeable void.
“Bertrand is among the names being considered,” say insiders, a statement that might raise eyebrows given the availability of alternative European talents. Yet, the club’s outreach towards Bertrand’s representatives indicates an astute move for an experienced Premier League veteran.
Emerging from Chelsea’s esteemed academy, Bertrand’s footballing journey has been nothing short of compelling. The left-back etched his name into the annals of football history starting in Chelsea’s Champions League final conquest of Bayern Munich in 2012. With 19 senior caps for England, his CV certainly isn’t light on credentials.
Yet, the past few years have been demanding. After a commendable six-year stretch at Southampton, Bertrand experienced a tumultuous time at Leicester City, marred by injuries and limited appearances. “Bertrand underwent knee surgery,” sources confirmed, leading to an entire season on the bench.
Fully fit and raring to go, Bertrand has been training with Chelsea’s loan development group. His dedication to regaining form is commendable, and United could indeed provide the platform he seeks.
Adding intrigue to Bertrand’s potential move is the prospect of reuniting with Jonny Evans, another former King Power Stadium denizen. Evans, like Bertrand, has been on United’s radar, impressing Ten Hag during training sessions. Should both these free agents land at Old Trafford, it’d be an astute blend of experience and club legacy.
Still, Bertrand isn’t the only name circulating. The club, in its perennial ambition, continues to survey the landscape for alternatives. However, the clock’s relentless ticking towards the transfer deadline might pivot the scales in Bertrand’s favour.
Ten Hag, ever the strategist, has options despite the predicament. Alvaro Fernandez remains available, and there’s always the tactical tweak of repositioning Diogo Dalot or Lisandro Martinez. Yet, the allure of a seasoned Premier League performer, coupled with Bertrand’s undeniable pedigree, presents an appealing case.