Manchester United Set to Pursue £42 Million-Rated Defender with “High Probability” of Leaving Current Club

Manchester United is reportedly gearing up to make a move for one of Italy’s most highly-regarded football talents, amid reports suggesting a strong likelihood of the player departing from his current team.

Manchester United’s Persistent Left-Back Dilemma

The Red Devils continue to face challenges in the left-back position, a recurring issue for several years now. Luke Shaw, plagued by injuries, is once again sidelined with no clear return date in sight. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia, who recently returned after a year-long absence, has struggled to regain his form.

The situation was further highlighted during the recent 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, where Malacia was substituted at halftime following a lackluster performance against the impressive Justin Kluivert. This has led some fans to call for Malacia’s exclusion from future matches.

The left-back crisis is exacerbated by Diogo Dalot’s poor form and the tactical preferences of new manager Ruben Amorim, who favors a formation with three central defenders and two wing-backs. Currently, United lacks players well-suited for these wide roles, with the exception of Noussair Mazraoui, who is more comfortable on the right flank.

United’s Interest in Theo Hernandez

To address their defensive woes, Manchester United is reportedly preparing to pursue AC Milan and France star Theo Hernandez. The 27-year-old, whose contract with Milan runs until 2026, has recently found himself out of favor with manager Paolo Fonseca.

According to reports from MilanLive, discussions between Hernandez’s agent and AC Milan regarding a new contract have stalled. Consequently, the likelihood of Hernandez leaving San Siro in the near future is considered “very high,” with Manchester United said to be “ready to go on the offensive” for the defender.

Valued at £42 million, Hernandez is widely regarded as one of the world’s top left-backs and would represent a significant upgrade to United’s current options in that position. The French international has earned high praise from football legends, including AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini, who commended Hernandez’s goalscoring prowess after the defender equaled Maldini’s club record for goals scored by a defender.

Should Manchester United succeed in acquiring Hernandez, it could mark a crucial step in addressing their long-standing defensive issues and strengthening their squad for future campaigns.