Unsettled Barcelona ace on Manchester United’s radar

Manchester United are monitoring Jordi Alba’s situation at Barcelona with a view to a summer move, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Alba, 28, has dropped down the pecking order under Luis Enrique this season and is reportedly bemused by his recent lack of match action, which has put United on alert.

Jose Mourinho has failed to nail down a first choice left-back this season and reports of interest in Alba inspire little confidence in the future of Luke Shaw, who has failed to impress the United manager this season.

However, United are proceeding with their interest in Alba with caution after being left red-faced in their pursuit of his international teammate Sergio Ramos in 2015.

Louis van Gaal’s side were very open in their pursuit of the Real Madrid star only for the defender to sign a new deal at the Bernabeu and United aren’t looking for a repeat situation here.

With Enrique set to stand down at the end of the season, Alba’s lack of playing time may only prove momentary but the Spain international will wait until a new coach is appointed before weighing up his future at Barcelona.

Alba has only started 14 matches in La Liga and his arrival at Old Trafford would certainly add the same attacking endeavour as United have on the opposite flank with Antonio Valencia.

With responsibilities at left-back shared out between Shaw, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian, United have become too one-dimensional in the way they attack this season, heavily relying on Valencia’s pace and power down the right hand side far too often.

For more stats on Jordi Alba, click here to visit his WhoScored player page