Man Utd hold shock transfer talks over Marcos Alonso with former Chelsea and Barcelona star now a free agent

MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a swoop for former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag's defensive injury woes have continued into the new season, with Luke Shaw ruled out until the international break with a fresh calf problem.

United remain short on left-back options with Tyrell Malacia still out after his knee surgery caused him to miss the whole of last season.

And according to The Athletic, ex-Chelsea star Alonso has been discussed as a potential option by Old Trafford chiefs.

The 33-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired at the end of last season and he would be open to returning to the Premier League.

The former Champions League winner with Chelsea was limited to eight appearances last season owing to a back injury.

Alonso joined Stamford Bridge in 2016 in a deal worth £24m from Fiorentina and made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals.

Ten Hag was forced to rely on centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to fill the void at left-back last term.

Meanwhile, star centre-half Lisandro Martinez was forced to play on the left-side of defence during the Community Shield on Sunday.

The Red Devils suffered a 7-6 defeat on penalties to Manchester City following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

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But Man Utd have had a welcome boost with the signing of right-back Noussair Mazraoui, 26, from Bayern Munich.

The Dutchman's ability to play on the left was a factor in United picking him to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who joined West Ham for an undisclosed fee this week.

Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt, 25, also joined United in a combined deal with Mazaroui worth £60m, including add-ons.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose agent Jorge Mendes arrived in England to broker a deal on Tuesday.