United set sights on Tottenham defender Van de Ven as duo replacement

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick told Reuters via Lee Smith that the club’s top target is Tottenham defender Micky Van de Ven, a player who could replace the ageing left‑back duo of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez.

United's defensive dilemma

United have been forced to act after both Shaw’s £200,000‑a‑week contract and Martinez’s £120,000‑a‑week deal run out at the end of the season, while centre‑back Matthijs De Ligt has struggled with injuries. The club therefore prioritises left‑sided defenders, and Football Insider United have already earmarked Van de Ven as the preferred solution.

Van de Ven's credentials

The 25‑year‑old Dutch defender signed a new long‑term contract at Tottenham this summer after two consecutive 17th‑place finishes. Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara described him as "world‑class", adding that he could walk straight into any top‑flight side. Tottenham now sit bottom of the table, a situation that could prompt another exit similar to Cristian Romero’s last summer.

While Van de Ven has mainly played as a centre‑back in the Premier League, he is regularly deployed as a left‑back for the Netherlands, offering Carrick tactical flexibility at Old Trafford.

United hope that one player can fill both Shaw’s and Martinez’s roles, potentially saving money that can be redirected to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Beyond the transfer: a media profile

After deciding late that he wanted a career in sports journalism, Daniel built his résumé in an unconventional way. He worked with as a freelance contributor and translator during transfer windows, volunteered on several blogs, and joined Barnet FC’s social media team before launching his own football‑and‑MMA website.

That venture led to roles with 90min and Reach PLC, contributing to, Daily Record, Daily Express and Manchester Evening News. He then spent two‑and‑a‑half years at Breaking Media, covering Everton, Rangers, Leeds and West Ham, before becoming Premier League editor at GiveMeSport. Daniel has also appeared on YouTube and podcast content, and readers are invited to log in to view the full story.

Should United secure Van de Ven, the defender would gain a fresh challenge at a club eager to revitalise its back line, while Tottenham could recoup funds and possibly reinvest in a new attacking option as they fight to climb out of the relegation zone.