Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing a left-back in the last week of the transfer window as cover for the injured Luke Shaw. Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilón and Barcelona’s Marcos Alonso are on Erik ten Hag’s list of targets. The United manager needs cover because of the muscle problem Shaw sustained against Tottenham last week, which could keep the 28-year-old out until November, longer than initially thought. Any deal for Cucurella, Reguilón or Alonso, all fringe players at their respective clubs, would probably be on a temporary basis. Ten Hag’s other frontline left-back, Tyrell Malacia, is also out for a prolonged period with injury. Ten Hag fielded Diogo Dalot at left-back in the 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday but he wants to be able to select a specialist in that position. Dalot’s recognised position is right-back.