United eyeing four-time Champions League-winning defender available on free transfer – report

David Alaba has played his last match for Real Madrid, bringing the curtain down on a five-year stay at the Bernabeu. The 33-year-old Austrian, who can operate at left-back, central defence, or even in midfield if called upon, is now expected to seek a new challenge elsewhere as a free agent. Before he turns his attention to club football, however, Alaba will be eager to take his A-game to the FIFA World Cup with Austria, keen to prove to European heavyweights that he still has plenty to offer. However, even with that summer showpiece on the horizon, speculation about his next club destination is already gathering pace. Manchester United eye David Alaba Interestingly, Italian outlet Tuttosport, while positioning Juventus as a serious suitor for the veteran defender, claims that he is “coveted by Salzburg, monitored by Manchester United, and still eager to compete at the highest level after the World Cup with Austria.” INEOS monitoring Alaba will certainly catch many by surprise. Some will wonder why they would consider a battle-tested veteran when there are exciting young defenders to turn to. However, when you factor in the options already at the club, a move for Alaba actually makes a degree of sense. Why Alaba? Should Manchester United sign a young centre-back, it would likely block the development paths of both Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. Alaba, by contrast, could arrive as a squad option, giving the pair the room they need to continue their development. Alaba could also deputise for Luke Shaw without hindering the progression of Diego Leon or Harry Amass. And while injuries have plagued him in recent years, if he can produce a Shaw-esque 2025/26 campaign, the ex-Bayern Munich star could still prove influential. That said, much like United’s number 23, Alaba’s quality on the ball has never been in doubt; it is his fitness, particularly during his time at Madrid, that has consistently held him back. A fit Alaba could be impactful for this United side. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.