Manchester United’s summer has been an incredibly busy one with Erik ten Hag joining the club and consequently raiding his native Netherlands for Tyrell Malancia and Lisandro Martinez.
That said, the Red Devils are by no means done in the transfer market yet.
What’s the word?
United’s business this summer has been conducted slowly and after the shambles that was 2021/22, it is perhaps a surprise that their new coach hasn’t brought in more players and gutted the squad in a more ruthless fashion.
The defence has been strengthened, however, and it could still be added to with links to Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard surfacing.
Julian Nagelsmann recently admitted that he would like to keep the player in Munich, suggesting he was an “important player” to their cause.
However, separate reports from German outlet, Sport 1, suggest United have been given a green light to make their move.
They revealed last weekend that the £31.4m player has been offered to both Chelsea and Ten Hag’s side.
Should Man United sign Pavard?
Supporters would be buzzing
If United can conclude a deal for Pavard before the September 1st deadline, supporters would surely be delighted with their new look defence.
The Frenchman is capable of playing at right-back or in the centre, thus gifting ten Hag tremendous versatility to a backline that looked all at sea last term.
The 2o-time English champions conceded 57 times in the Premier League last season, the second-highest amount when compared to the remaining clubs who finished inside the top half of the table.
As a result, if ten Hag is to have any chance of reviving this great club, he will need a sturdier defence.
In Malacia, he has found a flying and effective full-back, while in Martinez, he has found a player with bite and determination, who like Pavard, offers strong versatility.
Many will know the Bayern defender for his gorgeous sweeping goal against Argentina at the last World Cup but it’s not just offensive qualities that he offers.
Over the last 365 days, he ranks in the top 7% of full-backs for aerial duels won with 2.28 per 90 minutes. He is also in the highest elite bracket for ball recoveries, sitting in the top 1% of players in Europe’s big five leagues with a whopping 11.04 per 90.
Also sitting in the best 1% of players for carries, it paints a picture of how efficient the 26-year-old is in a host of areas across the pitch.
This would be a highly exciting signing and one that would surely leave supporters elated.
