Anfield or Old Trafford: “Serious” United target makes his transfer preference clear, INEOS have work to do – report

A cursory glance at Manchester United’s options at left-back makes it clear that INEOS need to recruit in that position. Luke Shaw has started 29 times this season, with 11 of those appearances coming at left-back. However, the club will make a huge mistake if they place their trust in him next season, given his injury record. Tyrell Malacia’s disastrous cameo against Newcastle was a reminder of how badly INEOS got it wrong in January, and the Dutchman is likely to leave in the summer upon the expiration of his deal. Diego Leon remains raw, while Harry Amass is currently out on loan and needs more experience to truly make his mark for the first team. Why United need a new left-back Both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can play there, but they are better on the opposite flank. Patrick Dorgu is far more proficient on the wings or as a wingback instead of playing as a traditional fullback. Antonee Robinson of Fulham has been named as one of United’s targets, but the American is being eyed by multiple Premier League rivals, including Aston Villa and Liverpool. According to Teamtalk, despite the Red Devils’ “serious” interest, the 28-year-old is more keen on a switch to Anfield instead. “Manchester United are keen on bringing Antonee Robinson to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, but sources have told TEAMtalk that the Fulham star wants to join Liverpool and play at Anfield instead. Antonee Robinson in demand “Left-back is an area that both the Red Devils and the Reds are keen on strengthening in the summer transfer window. “We understand that Robinson is ‘keen on a return to Merseyside’ and play for Liverpool, even though he is a former Everton player.” The USA international is reportedly valued at £25 million, which makes him an economical option, but his recent injury record does not inspire confidence. Antonee Robinson has undergone knee surgery, which has meant he has missed 13 games this season. And he is 28, not the ideal profile of a INEOS recruit. His choice makes it easier for INEOS United no longer just want to sign players on the strength of their chequebook. They want players to genuinely want to play for them, as seen from deals for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer. And Robinson does not fit the bill in that regard if the above report is true. INEOS can do better, surely. Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25