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West Ham could sign Championship left-back to support Masuaku

By Henry Tomlinson

Ryan Manning could be a much-needed signing to bolster West Ham's thin squadRyan Manning could be a much-needed signing to bolster West Ham's thin squad. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ryan Manning could be a much-needed signing to bolster West Ham's thin squadRyan Manning could be a much-needed signing to bolster West Ham's thin squad. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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West Ham could be interested in signing QPR left-wing-back, Ryan Manning, in order to provide support and competition to Arthur Masuaku.

Reports emerged that Arthur Masuaku has picked up a knee injury while away on international duty with DR Congo. This injury could force West Ham into the transfer market to strengthen an already weak position.

The left-back position at the club has been under scrutiny for some time. Aaron Cresswell and Masuaku have both been inconsistent as traditional left-backs. David Moyes has found a way to play to both of their strengths in his new five-at-the-back system.

But with Masuaku’s injury, it could spell trouble for West Ham who had looked to finally turn a corner. If the 26-year-old is forced to miss games, it would mean another change of the system which could hinder the team’s performances. Luckily, Masuaku’s absence from the DR Congo squad is just a precaution.

Ryan Manning could be a much needed signing to bolster West Ham's thin squad.
Ryan Manning could be a much-needed signing to bolster West Ham’s thin squad. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /

The club should take this as a warning and act now before it happens again on a more serious level. Ryan Manning is a player that the Hammers have been reportedly interested in for some time. The QPR left-wing-back would fit Moyes current system very well. The 24-year-old is very good going forward and is able to contribute to the attack.

Last season Manning picked up four-goal and seven assists. A similar return for the Hammers would make him one of the clubs most productive players. The QPR defender only has one year left on his current contract and could be signed for as little as £5 million.

Manning can also slot in as a traditional left-back should Moyes revert to a back-four in the future. It is good to have as an option, but Manning does suit the wing-back role better. Manning can also be utilised as a central-midfielder, which could be useful for West Ham as the club are very slim in. that area.

Next. West Ham’s streamline squad already caught out by crucial injury. dark

West Ham sold Josh Cullen and released Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez. Now the club only has the ageing Mark Noble and Robert Snodgrass as back-up to Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice. Manning would be a perfect utility player to have available should anyone pick up an injury.