Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez in the summer transfer window.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his deal to buy 25 per cent of the Red Devils last month and has now taken over footballing operations at the Premier League club. Appointments are happening in the background, with Ratcliffe and INEOS planning to restore the club’s lost glory. Several positions need to be reinforced when the transfer window reopens in response to a poor season from Erik ten Hag and his boys.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has made the signing of Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez one of his top priorities but will competition from Real Madrid.
A product of the Real Madrid academy, Gutierrez, 22, joined Girona in 2022 and has been an integral figure in their dream title run in La Liga this term, racking up seven goal contributions so far. As a result, Real Madrid are interested in getting his signature as well. The Spanish giants will exercise an €8 million buy-back option in Gutierrez’s contract next term as they consider him a back to Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, the report adds.
Miguel Gutierrez to Manchester United—Should the club pursue the deal?
Manchester United have struggled in the Premier League this season, and the 3-1 loss in the Manchester derby on Sunday has left them 11 points behind fourth-place Aston Villa. A raft of injuries has disrupted Ten Hag’s plans of building on a successful last season that saw the Red Devils finish third in the league and win the Carabao Cup.
The Dutch tactician, if given another season to turn the club’s fortunes around under the INEOS regime, would like to sign a new left-back. Luke Shaw has had persistent injury problems, while Tyrell Malacia has yet to play all season after sustaining a knee injury during pre-season. So, it makes complete sense to sign a new left-back, and Miguel Gutierrez would be a good option.
Gutierrez has been a mainstay in Girona’s first XI this season, impressing at both ends of the pitch. He has netted a goal and supplied a further four assists in 25 La Liga appearances, which are impressive numbers for a left-back. Man United could do with such an attacking left-back in their ranks as Ten Hag wants his full-backs to be dynamic, composed on the ball and helpful in build-up play.
The Girona star would be an upgrade on Malacia and compete with Shaw for a spot in the first XI. He has proven himself in La Liga and is certainly good enough to compete in the Premier League. So, if Man United have a concrete interest in Gutierrez, they must pay a premium.
