The Sun report that Louis van Gaal is considering a move for free agent Ashley Cole as a potential short-term solution to Manchester United’s problem left-back slot.
The Red Devils lost Luke Shaw to injury during their Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven earlier in the campaign, and the England left-back was ruled out for six months.
While the former Southampton man is likely to return to action some time this season—thus potentially putting himself back into contention for a spot at Euro 2016 [Mirror]—van Gaal is keen to bolster his options in this position, with the would-be replacements for Shaw failing to impress.
Daley Blind started in this position against Watford, but looks more comfortable in the midfield, while Marcos Rojo—the primary replacement for Shaw—hasn’t always convinced, and gave a way a penalty in the narrow 2-1 triumph over the Hornets on Saturday.
Speaking after that match, LVG admitted that he was considering a move for a new left-back in January: “I was convinced Shaw would have a very good season,” the Dutch coach began, as per the Mirror. “Because of that I didn’t buy a second player for left-back because I thought he would play more or less every game.
“Maybe now we have to buy a left-back.”
SEE MORE:
Liverpool Player Ratings vs. Manchester City: Who shone as Jurgen Klopp’s side devastated the Citizens?
Manchester City player ratings vs Liverpool: 4-1 loss as Sergio Aguero’s big return wasted
Barcelona player ratings vs Real Madrid: 4-0 win as Luis Suarez & Iniesta perfect in El Clasico ROUT
While the Mirror reveal that the Red Devils are scouting Ricardo Rodriguez of Wolfsburg, The Sun have revealed that former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole—once among the best left-backs in world football—is being considered by van Gaal.
The England international would represent a cheaper option for the Red Devils as he is currently out of contract, having been released by AS Roma earlier in the year.