3 days ago
4
PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by Adpathway
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Published Aug 29, 2026, 1:18 PM GMT+1
Tom is a football journalist with over five years of experience, specialising in Premier League reporting, feature writing and transfer analysis, with particular expertise covering Liverpool and Everton.
His work has been featured in The Non-League Paper, Crawley Observer, Sussex Express and The Redmen TV, where he produced features, news and exclusive interviews across all levels of the game.
For Football FanCast, Tom has interviewed a number of respected figures from across football, including Ally McCoist, Philippe Senderos and Chris Waddle. Elsewhere, he has covered the National League South play-off final, Formula E's London E-Prix, Crawley Town and Brighton & Hove Albion's Under-21s.
Tom's expertise lies in analysing transfer developments, explaining what they mean for clubs and supporters, and producing in-depth features on the biggest stories in football. Through years of covering Liverpool and Everton, he has developed an extensive understanding of Merseyside football, both clubs' recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to their supporters. He has also built strong relationships across the football industry that add valuable context to his reporting and analysis.
Tom also enjoys writing features on the broader challenges facing football, its clubs, players, governing bodies and, most importantly, supporters.
Sign in to your Football FanCast account
It's the most open secret in the Premier League that Manchester United want a left-back before the end of the transfer window. It's arguably been a priority before this summer even kicked off.
With European football set to return to Old Trafford this season, Michael Carrick will have no guarantees over Luke Shaw's fitness. After the England man benefitted more than most whilst playing one game a week last season, he's likely to suffer without adequate cover when fixtures come thick and fast.
|
1 |
Bayern Munich |
Home |
8–10 September 2026 |
|
2 |
Atlético Madrid |
Away |
13/14 October 2026 |
|
3 |
Roma |
Home |
20/21 October 2026 |
|
4 |
Sporting CP |
Away |
3/4 November 2026 |
|
5 |
RB Leipzig |
Home |
24/25 November 2026 |
|
6 |
Villarreal |
Away |
8/9 December 2026 |
|
7 |
Sabah FC |
Home |
19/20 January 2027 |
|
8 |
Como |
Away |
27 January 2027 |
It's why names like Lewis Hall have threatened to steal headlines alongside Barcelona's Alejandro Balde. Both have been targets throughout the summer, but neither are any close to completing moves.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee SmithInstead, United have been forced into the market to assess the remaining options - leading them towards Aston Villa and Dutchman Ian Maatsen.
The former Chelsea youngster has taken the starting role in the Midlands following the departure of Lucas Digne, but could now be on the move to compound Unai Emery's misery.
The Spaniard has already lost Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, who United snapped up earlier this summer. Losing Maatsen would be yet another blow.
Man Utd launch approach to sign Ian Maatsen
REUTERS/Andrew CouldridgeAs reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Man United have now launched an approach to sign Maatsen from Aston Villa in a last-minute move. It remains to be seen how the Villans respond, but it's an interesting turn for the Red Devils' left-back search.
Now would be the perfect time to sign Maatsen, too. The Dutchman is finally ready for a starting place and has already featured against Paris Saint-Germain this season, as Villa suffered a narrow defeat.
In terms of replacing Shaw, the 24-year-old is up there with the perfect candidates. He's just entering his prime when Shaw will be dipping past his, has the intensity to match Carrick's system and is defensively secure. Add on the fact that he can play further up the pitch and it becomes an even wiser move from those at Old Trafford.
|
Minutes |
3,231 |
1,599 |
|
Tackles |
2.06 |
2.42 |
|
Chances created |
0.45 |
1.46 |
|
Recoveries |
2.98 |
4.62 |
|
Top speed |
33.6 km/h |
34.6 km/h |
Dubbed "excellent" by scout Jacek Kulig, Maatsen would thrive in Carrick's system. The Man United boss wants his side to win the ball back and counter in rapid fashion. Compared to the slower Shaw, the Villa man is far more suited.
Whether Villa are willing to lose yet another star remains the big question, however.
English (US) · 
French (CA) ·