Aston Villa defender’s availability explored by Manchester United

Manchester United are facing going into the 2026/27 season without a left-back to help Luke Shaw.

While the 31-year-old started every Premier League game last campaign, the Red Devils have more games to contend with as they re-enter the UEFA Champions League.

Lewis Hall was a strong target, but Newcastle United boss Matthias Jaissle recently proclaimed Michael Carrick’s side have “no chance” of signing the 21-year-old this window, putting an end to any last hopes of landing the Englishman.

Another heavily linked player is Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, who could still exit the LaLiga club, but the Red Devils haven’t yet made a clear move for the youngster after making an initial enquiry.

Sky Sports have now revealed that Manchester United explored the potential availability of Aston Villa left-back Ian Maatsen.

While there was no contact between the two clubs, Villa don’t want to sell Maatsen and is expected to be offered a new contract to stay in Birmingham soon.

It’s another potential signing off the table for Manchester United, as their hopes of signing a left-back before the September 1st deadline arrives diminish further.

Maatsen started Aston Villa’s opening game of the Premier League season, and despite a disappointing 4-0 defeat that former Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho made his debut in, the Villans are attempting to keep hold of the 24-year-old.

It’s damning for Manchester United, but in hindsight they may look back and wish they made a move for Lewis Hall before the North East club lost the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, which led them to cling on to their star player.

Had it been the start of the window, perhaps Newcastle would have been open to listen to offers. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Manchester United now have just a few days until the transfer deadline. Whether they land a left-back or not is looking uncertain.