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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has shot himself in the foot by conceding £15m transfer error
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may have indirectly admitted he made a transfer mistake last summer by prioritising an emergency left-back before Friday's summer deadline. The Red Devils are working hard to bring cover for Luke Shaw through the door when Ten Hag already has a solution.
United were expected to recruit a new backup goalkeeper and pursue a second midfielder in the final week of the transfer window.
The club will imminently announce the signing of Fenerbahce's Altay Bayindir in a £5million deal to replace Dean Henderson, joining Crystal Palace for £20m.
United are also working to recruit Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat to add more balance to Ten Hag's midfield after a turbulent start to the campaign.
But what wasn't expected was the late scramble for a left-back that seems to be taking up most of United's time and resources, with the deadline looming large.
The Red Devils are in talks with Chelsea over the season-long loan signing of Marc Cucurella and have several alternatives shortlisted.
It follows an injury to Shaw earlier this month, which is expected to rule the 28-year-old out of action until as late as November.
Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia is also sidelined after withdrawing from United's pre-season tour through an ill-timed issue.
The Dutchman's return date is expected to be sooner than Shaw's, while Ten Hag has Diogo Dalot and Alvaro Fernandez to select in the meantime.
That begs the question. Does Ten Hag trust his first signing as United manager to return to action and perform to the level he needs?
Or does the Old Trafford giants' late push for a temporary left-back suggest the 24-year-old has lost Ten Hag's faith?
Of course, an injury setback or similar return date to Shaw is another possibility that may have led to Cucurella being targeted.
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Malacia made 39 appearances after arriving from Feyenoord last season, showing plenty of promise, particularly in United's 2-1 derby win against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
But there is still a sense of rawness about the Netherlands international, which could impact his chances of becoming a regular starter.
Malacia has time to improve, but if Cucurella or another left-back arrives and flaunts their experience and quality, his place in Ten Hag's plans could be in jeopardy.
If that is the case, doubts may start to creep in over Ten Hag's player profiling if he gives up on one of the first signings of his project after just one year.
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