Gradi keen on United defender

The tidy full back was on the bench during United's 1-0 victory over West Brom on the opening day, and Gradi feels the defensive injury crisis engulfing Old Trafford has scuppered his plans to get the youngster to Gresty Road.

Gradi is looking for a left back in order to feature highly-rated Welsh whizz-kid David Vaughan in a more attacking role.

"We have been looking to bring someone else in and we have had a few names handed to us," the long-serving Alex boss told the club's official website.

"I went to watch Tierney at Manchester United, and he was very good.

"I wouldn't have hesitated to have brought him and played him.

"But he is now closer to Manchester United's first team as a centre back because they have a few injuries, so I haven't even asked if we could take him on loan."