Jamie Ireland
With only three days until the start of the World Cup, United have been linked with a plethora of top talent, but they are yet to make a major signing.
According to the Express Manchester United are looking for alternative options at left-back, if their deal for Southampton defender Luke Shaw falls through.
It is believed that Louis van Gaal has targeted Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba as a suitable replacement for veteran defender Patrice Evra, if Shaw ends up staying at St Mary’s next season.
Alba has firmly nailed down the left-back spot in Vicente del Bosque’s World Cup team, even after a disappointing season with Barcelona which was plagued by injury.
The former Valencia defender only made 15 appearances in the league last season, as opposed to 29 the season before and was the club’s most influential defender. (Squawka).
Alba has struggled with soft muscle injuries, he picks up a lot of hamstring strains and tears, mostly because of his style of play and the speed he runs.
There’s no doubt, he is one of the most offensive left-backs in the world and the perfect type of player for van Gaal’s 4-3-3, in which the full-back are vital.
However, even though Barcelona are currently rebuilding under new boss Luis Enrique, it is not the same thing that van Gaal is doing at Old Trafford.
Enrique already has the tools he needs, the team just needs tweaked and modified, whereas van Gaal needs a squad overhaul and a higher calibre of player.
I can’t see Jordi Alba being allowed to leave the Camp Nou, nor can I see the player wanting to leave the Catalan giants for no Champions League football.
