Sky Sports: Man United make bid to sign “top team player”; personal terms verbally agreed
Manchester United are attempting to recruit Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard as Erik ten Hag seeks to bolster his defense, according to a fresh update.
If Harry Maguire completes his rumored move to West Ham United this summer, the Red Devils could be left short.
What’s the latest on Benjamin Pavard’s potential move to Manchester United?
With Maguire allegedly ready to join West Ham for £30 million, Manchester United have reportedly made an approach to Bayern Munich for Pavard, which has been rejected, according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg.
However, there is some good news for United: a verbal agreement has been reached with the defender over personal terms. They must now try to reach an agreement with Bayern on a suitable fee in order to complete the transaction.
The Bavarians may be eager to offload Pavard this summer, since his contract ends in June of next year, leaving him a free agent. However, given that United’s initial offer was apparently rejected, it remains to be seen how much Bayern will demand for its defender.
The Red Devils will seek to reach the Bundesliga side’s valuation as soon as the summer transfer market closes.
Should Manchester United pursue the signing of Benjamin Pavard?
Signing Pavard might be a wise business move for Manchester United, following the arrivals of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojllund this summer.
It didn’t take long for the defender to please Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, who said through Get Football News France:
“He’s an underappreciated player.”
“He can adapt to the highest level and defends himself tenaciously.” He is an excellent team player who quickly gained my trust and demonstrated that I was correct.”
Meanwhile, former manager Niko Kovac told Bulinews before welcoming Pavard:
“He is a world-class footballer, a young player who will undoubtedly improve.” Many clubs are interested in him; let’s see whether we are.”
Pavard would provide Ten Hag with a better option statistically in the coming season.
According to FBref, the Bayern player surpassed Maguire in most areas last season, while also outperforming right-backs Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Given Pavard’s ability to play both center-back and right-back, the stats are encouraging.
Last season, the Manchester United target made more advanced passes, assisted on more goals, and won more tackles per 90 minutes than Ten Hag’s existing options.
Everything indicates that Pavard is a player worth chasing for United, who will require another center-back if Maguire leaves, as is widely believed.
Adding the Frenchman to Ten Hag’s backline options would surely help the Red Devils compete on all fronts this season as they return to the Champions League.
Of course, whether or not the deal takes place remains to be seen, but it is one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks as United attempts to agree on a fee with Bayern Munich for their defense with an upgraded proposal.
