6 Manchester United have reportedly received a major boost in their bid to sign Girona star Miguel Gutierrez.

The left-back position is believed to be an area of the pitch United are eager to address, either in January or next summer.

The position has proven to be a major headache for Erik ten Hag, amidst Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia's respective injury woes.

Shaw last played for United in February, featuring for 45 minutes in a 2-1 win against Luton Town. He was part of the England team for Euro 2024 but picked up an injury before the start of the 2024/25 season that continues to keep him out of action.

The 29-year-old was spotted in individual training earlier today. Meanwhile, Malacia did not taste even a single minute of competitive action last term, courtesy of a serious physical setback that required multiple surgeries.

Like Shaw, the Dutchman is still undergoing rehabilitation as he aims to return to full match fitness.

In their absences, Erik ten Hag has mostly deployed Diogo Dalot at left-back. Dalot has filled in well but it remains abundantly clear that United need a natural left-sided full-back. One of the options that has previously been mooted is Gutierrez.

He was linked to United in the summer transfer window but a move to Old Trafford never got over the line.

FootballTransfers now reveal that Gutierrez is back on United's radar, with the club contemplating swooping in for him in the coming months.

According to the news outlet, the Spaniard is the Red Devils' number one transfer target and their hopes of landing him have been boosted by Real Madrid turning their attention to Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies.

"Manchester United's pursuit of Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez has gained momentum, FootballTransfers can reveal, with Real Madrid now looking closer to securing a deal for Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies."

"Gutierrez has emerged as one of the standout left-backs in La Liga since leaving Madrid and we are told United's chances of landing Gutierrez have significantly increased, with Ineos making him a key target as they look to bolster their left-back options."

"Sources have told us that United have now made him their top transfer target. The club will decide whether to make a play for the Spanish defender in the January window or wait until the summer."

FootballTransfers note that Madrid have a buyback clause for the defender, which gives them the chance to take him back to Santiago Bernabeu for around EUR8-9 million.

Carlo Ancelotti's side also retain the right of first refusal. This gives them the opportunity to match any offer made for Gutierrez by another club.

Furthermore, the reigning La Liga champions possess a 50% sell-on clause and stand to net a significant sum from the player's sale.

Gutierrez's contract with Girona runs until 2027 and is understood to have a EUR35m release clause.

So far this season, Gutierrez has made 12 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League. He has scored once and helped the side to keep four clean sheets in that period.

Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won't hear otherwise!