Manchester United rule out move for free-agent defender David Alaba

Manchester United have decided not to pursue former Real Madrid defender David Alaba, despite the Austria international being available as a free agent, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The 34-year-old has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season. His ability to play in central defence or at left-back could have provided United with additional experience and defensive cover.

However, United are reported to believe Alaba has declined in recent years and have therefore ruled out a move for the experienced defender.

Left-back was identified as an area United wanted to strengthen during the summer. The club had intended to bring in a player who could compete with Luke Shaw for the position, but no signing was eventually made.

That decision places greater responsibility on Shaw to maintain his fitness, particularly with United returning to the Champions League. The England international remains the club’s established option at left-back, but his availability has been a concern in recent seasons.

Alaba’s injury record is understood to have affected his appeal to potential suitors. He suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in December 2023 and has missed 109 matches for club and country over the past three seasons.

His fitness problems also restricted his involvement at Real Madrid during the 2025/26 campaign. He made 16 appearances in all competitions but started only six matches.

Alaba nevertheless has an impressive record at the highest level. During his time with Bayern Munich, he was named in the UEFA Team of the Year on three occasions.

He was also selected for the LaLiga Team of the Season for 2021/22 after helping Real Madrid win the Spanish title.

At international level, Alaba captained Austria at the World Cup. He started all four of their matches at the tournament before Austria were knocked out by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 32.

United’s decision leaves Shaw without a new specialist rival at left-back as the club prepares for a return to European football’s premier competition. The club will instead continue without Alaba, whose versatility and experience had made him a possible option before his recent injury struggles and reduced involvement at Real Madrid.

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