Manchester United Transfer News: Adriano Rumours Emerge After Luke Shaw Injury

Manchester United have reportedly identified Barcelona full-back Adriano as a replacement for the injured Luke Shaw. Boss Louis van Gaal "apparently hopes to use his close relationship with Barcelona manager Luis Enrique to push the move through," according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (via Metro's Louis Sealey).

Van Gaal managed Enrique in his playing career during the Dutchman's two tenures as Barca manager.

With Shaw set for a lengthy layoff after breaking his leg in the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, United could use another player to fill in at left-back.

Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are both capable of covering there; however, the latter is more effective in the centre and the former in midfield, so a natural full-back like Adriano would be very useful.

The Brazilian almost departed from the Blaugrana in the summer for Roma. According to Sport (via Stefan Coerts of Goal.com), his agent Paulo Affonso Neves said: "Roma have made a very tempting offer and Adriano feels it's time for a change. Now is a good time to take on a new challenge and take advantage of the opportunity to play for a big Italian club like Roma."

The 30-year-old remained at the Camp Nou but would undoubtedly welcome the chance of playing first-team football at United. Adriano has made just one appearance this season and made 27 in all competitions last year.

B/R's Rik Sharma believes he has been a useful squad player for Barca:

Football writer Liam highlighted Shaw's outstanding contribution to the Red Devils in this campaign prior to his injury:

According to Squawka, Adriano created just nine chances in 16 La Liga appearances last season, so he may not be capable of replicating Shaw's attacking contribution; however, he also won 29 tackles as well as nine aerial duels from 12 attempts, so he would likely prove to be defensively solid.

Further, his experience means he should be a reliable acquisition, while his comfort in possession—Squawka also note he maintained an 89 per cent passing accuracy last season—ensures he will fit in with United's style.