Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, currently has only Alvaro Fernandez as a natural left-back choice, but there are rumors of Fernandez leaving the club. In light of this, the team is actively looking to bolster its defense before the transfer window closes on Friday. One of the potential targets was Marcos Alonso, who used to play for Chelsea and has been linked with a potential departure from Barcelona.
Spanish news source Marca has reported that Manchester United expressed their interest in loaning Alonso for a season and then extending his contract for another year when his Barcelona contract expires in June 2024. However, the Daily Mail contradicts this, stating that Alonso has decided to reject the offer and stay at Barcelona.
Alonso is reportedly committed to competing for a spot in the lineup under the guidance of head coach Xavi. Even though Alejandro Balde is currently the preferred left-back at Camp Nou, Alonso aims to fight for his place. Additionally, the arrival of Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City could create competition for starting positions at both left-back and right-back.
In his most recent appearance, Alonso started in Barcelona's exciting 4-3 victory against Villarreal in La Liga. This marked his first game of the season after being left out of the matchday squad for the first two top-flight matches.
Alonso joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Chelsea the previous summer, but his playing time was limited, starting only 11 league matches under Xavi. During his time at Chelsea, he primarily operated as a wing-back and enjoyed a successful spell, winning the Premier League title under Antonio Conte in the 2016-17 season, as well as other major trophies.
With Alonso's decision to stay at Barcelona, Manchester United is now expected to shift its focus to other left-back options, such as Chelsea's Marc Cucurella and Tottenham Hotspur's Sergio Reguilon, both of whom are struggling to secure regular playing time at their respective clubs.
