Barcelona identify Manchester United left-back as transfer target in 2023

Manchester United's English defender Luke Shaw gestures during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, on December 30, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is one of a number of players to improve their form under Erik ten Hag this season. Even on the World Cup stage this winter, he never let England down.

According to Spanish publication Sport, Shaw has emerged as a target for Barcelona as he approaches the final six months of his contract at Old Trafford.

After making 15 appearances for Ten Hag’s side this season, I think it’s unlikely that United will let Shaw go on a Bosman deal at the end of the season. They could prevent this by triggering the option to extend his deal by a further year.

On another note, I don’t think Shaw is pushing to leave United anytime soon, and I’m sure he will be seeking a new contract when the current deal expires. I would also be reluctant to do any business with Barcelona after how they handled the Frenkie de Jong saga last summer.

The 27-year-old initially lost his place to new signing Tyrell Malacia, but he deserves huge credit for regaining his starting spot.

Left-back department is fine, but work is needed on the opposite flank

Ideally, the squad would have two players capable of playing in each option. That is the case at left-back but not on the opposite flank.

Diogo Dalot has been excellent this season and could make an argument for why he should be our long-term option at right-back.

However, I still think we need better cover than Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams.

Getting rid of Shaw on the left would just create a similar problem on both flanks.