“I wounder why he no clubhas signed him. He is a great defender and he is a world class just like Sergio Ramos in Spain”-After Playing against Man City, Man United coach confirms that they will need another defender to avoid injury crisis during the season. Man Utd ‘make contact’ with free agent in surprise move after Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro injury setbacks

Manchester United have reportedly “initiated contact” with a free agent following injury setbacks to both Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that summer signing Yoro underwent surgery for a fractured metatarsal in his left foot, sustained during United’s pre-season match against Arsenal. The 18-year-old center-back, who joined Old Trafford last month from Lille, is expected to be out of action for around three months.

Erik ten Hag has been plagued by injuries, with Rasmus Hojlund also sidelined for several weeks due to a pre-season injury. Ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City, ten Hag revealed that four players might miss the Wembley showdown.

“Harry Maguire missed the game [vs Liverpool] as a precaution but remains a doubt for Saturday,” ten Hag stated. “We’ll have to assess his fitness to determine if he can be available.”

He continued: “Victor [Lindelof] played, but he’s also a doubt, alo ng with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw. We’ll evaluate them tomorrow [Friday].”

Although ten Hag did not provide an update on Shaw’s condition, a report on Friday morning suggests United may be looking to bolster their defense. According to Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez, the club has initiated contact with former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, who is currently a free agent.

The 29-year-old Spanish center-back, who also played as a left-back under Diego Simeone, is reportedly seeking a gross salary of €6 million (£5.1 million) along with a three-year contract. Ramirez notes that “negotiations are in the initial phase, and we will have to see how they develop.”

Hermoso, who made 174 appearances for Atletico during his five-year tenure, was part of the squad that lifted the La Liga title in the 2020/21 season, where they conceded just 25 league goals, with Hermoso featuring in 31 matches.

Hermoso’s representatives have reportedly offered the player to Aston Villa and West Ham following the expiration of his contract with Atletico in June, according to AreaNapoli.