In Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Ramus Hojlund, Manchester United have signed three players that are all likely to go straight into Erik ten Hag’s starting XI and take the overall quality of the side a notch up or two.
Having spent north of £150m, the club’s hierarchy has done well to support the man at the helm, however, they’d be making a mistake in expecting the Red Devils to achieve anything more significant than the last season.
In order to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal in the league and other European powerhouses in Europe, Ten Hag still needs to strengthen his bench. The most concerning area with regard to the depth remains United’s backline.
Uncertainty continues to loom over the future of Harry Maguire, the club’s fourth-choice centre-back. Time and again the Dutch coach has insisted he has faith in the Englishman’s qualities in his press conferences, but throughout the summer, it has been reported that the Old Trafford exit door is open for the club’s former captain for the right price (Football Insider).
However, the key thing to note is “the right price”, as cutting ties with Maguire for a nominal fee would leave United without a significant budget to reinvest in a new defender. And considering Raphael Varane’s injury record, Ten Hag cannot even envision letting Maguire leave without being sure of bringing in his replacement.
As such, the club’s director of football, John Murtough, has to earmark a defender who can join Ten Hag’s ranks at a bargain fee and at the same time prove to be an upgrade of Maguire. This is where Benjamin Pavard comes in.
The France international is determined to leave Bayern Munich as he wants to play at the heart of defense. The Bavarians, meanwhile, are open to sanctioning his exit, as they don’t want to lose him for free in 2024 (AZ).
United are understood to be interested in the 27-year-old, who’s valued at £27m (Bild via Paisley Gates.
That fee is nothing short of a bargain for a player who’s not only an excellent ball-playing centre-back but also has the reasonable pace and physicality needed to thrive in the Premier League as a centre-back.
Moreover, his ability to also play at the right flank means Ten Hag will end up getting an experienced outlet to challenge Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bisska.
A new right-back isn’t a pressing need at United, but early in the summer, it was suggested the manager is open to addressing the position.
As such, by signing Pavard, United can kill three (yes, not two) birds with one stone: replace Maguire, hand Ten Hag another option at right-back, and keep their transfer budget in check.
A proven quality star, who won the World Cup with France in 2018 and has won every major prize with the Bundesliga champions, would improve any team in the world. Man Utd should not waste time and must splash £27m to secure his signing.
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