Top 3 young left backs Manchester United should target

Manchester United are expected to splash ze cash like they usually do in this summer transfer window. After a season which was a bit underwhelming on more than one front, when they were expected to finally return to the kind of form that set them apart in Europe for decades, they will be want to bolster their ranks to ensure that the next season is not a repeat of the one that's just passed.

However, things haven't gone exactly as planned. The Red Devils have enviable squad depth but that has a downside to it. Several talented players have found game time hard to come by this season with the likes of Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw rumoured to be sketching a route out of Manchester.

With Ashley Young walking into the twilight of his career and Luke Shaw's future hanging in the balance, it's high time that Manchester United signed a young left-back who can sort out the issue and be a mainstay for years to come.

So, let's take a look at 3 young left backs Manchester United should target this summer.

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#3 Dalbert- Inter Milan

The 24-year-old Inter Milan left back will be a quality addition to the current Manchester United squad. The youngster has shown glimpses of the qualities that can make him a hit with the Red Army. He is pacy, good with the ball at his feet and is well equipped to play the passing game.

However, minutes on the field has come at a premium and he only started 5 games this campaign. Though he hasn't much to show for stats wise from the 2017 season, he was Nice's first choice in the 2016-17 season where he finished the season with a 7.17 average match rating on Whoscored.com. He had 3 assists to his name and his pace on the left flank made Nice a threat on the counter.

With Danilo D'Ambrosio being the first-choice at Inter Milan, Dalbert could be tempted if the Red Devils come knocking for him.

He has the attributes that will help him flourish in the Premier League and will be an exciting addition to Jose Mourinho's squad. He has room to improve and if he can get enough action on the field, he could very well prove to be a brilliant signing.

#2 Jose Gaya- Valencia

Jose Gaya is an aggressive defender

Jose Gaya has gradually established himself at Valencia and he has been one of the brightest prospects in an exciting squad. The Spaniard is only 23-years-old and has also, on occasion, filled in as a left winger.

As is expected of a modern left back, Gaya is quick and is good on the ball. He is an aggressive defender and is not afraid to go into a tackle. However, he can prove to be a bit reckless and was booked 11 times in the Serie A this season.

What sets Gaya apart, however, is his ability to pick a pass. He can play well-weighted through balls which makes him a threat on the counter and that'd be something that Jose Mourinho will be captivated by.

Signing Gaya won't be a difficult thing to pull off for United and they will have to shell out something in the ballpark of £30 million if they are to secure his services for the upcoming season.

#1 Alejandro Grimaldo- Benfica

Grimaldo could be an inspired signing

Grimaldo will not be travelling to Russia with the Spanish team. Jordi Alba and Nacho Monreal are Spain's choices at left-back but if either of them gets injured, expect the Benfica man to be called up.

Grimaldo is only 22-years-old in the 2017-18 season, he started 28 games in the Liga NOS and has a goal and 4 assists to his name. The Spaniard graduated from Barcelona's youth system after joining from Valencia's in 2008. He never made it to the Barca squad but played 98 games for the B team after being handed his debut in 2011.

He joined Benfica in the 2015-16 season's January transfer window. Grimaldo showcases impressive workrate and is a very good passer of the ball. He's good with the dead ball, can use the width down the left flank and put good crosses into the box which the likes of Romelu Lukaku can feast on.

Grimaldo will also be an upgrade on Ashley Young as he is a good tackler of the ball and is in general, very defensively sound. But here's the kicker, Grimaldo could be also be signed for close to £30 million. And for that money, he could be a steal.