Turning their focus towards the summer transfer window, Manchester United now reportedly want to sign a West Ham United player who has already been the subject of talks from another club.
Man Utd transfer news
The Red Devils, as ever, will be among those to watch this summer. Not for the first time and perhaps not for the last either, they desperately need to rebuild under a new manager with Ruben Amorim currently left to fit square pegs in the round holes of his 3-4-2-1 system.
Handed a squad without extensive wing-back options and central defenders who are stronger in back fours rather than back fives, the former Sporting Club boss requires the exact opposite.
Of course, the 40-year-old was at least handed a solution to his left wing-back problems in the January transfer window when Patrick Dorgu arrived, but his disappointing error leading to Ipswich Town’s opening goal before his sending off last time out highlighted just how far he still has to come.
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The former Lecce man must only be the start of the Red Devils’ reinforcements too. And even as INEOS continue to cut costs around the club, they seem to be well aware of that amid recent rumours.
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United now want to sign Nayef Aguerd from West Ham United despite Real Sociedad’s ongoing talks to sign the defender on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell. The 28-year-old has been identified as a viable option to strengthen Amorim’s backline, which could yet see those at Old Trafford complete a surprise hijack on Sociedad’s summer deal.
Crucially, Aguerd would have little trouble in slotting into a back three having featured at the heart of a similar system under David Moyes in the 2022/23 season, in which he also helped West Ham defeat Manchester United in a 1-0 victory.
"Stylish" Aguerd could become shock Man Utd solution
If Manchester United are to save money whilst handing Amorim the reinforcements that he so desperately needs, then Aguerd could emerge to become a surprise – and cheap – solution. Whilst West Ham are seemingly ready to show the defender the door, he could quickly earn the ultimate Premier League redemption at Old Trafford following an improved spell at Sociedad.
Starts
19
15
Progressive Passes
70
42
Tackles Won
24
13
Ball Recoveries
65
51
On the ball, Aguerd has particularly impressed in La Liga this season – outperforming Harry Maguire, who’s often seen as the defender capable of progressing play at Manchester United.
It’s a trait that former manager Moyes took note of during his time at West Ham, telling reporters: “He’s a really good player, really good on the ball, stylish. He’s got some really good attributes and I think he will big a plus to us.”
Racing against Sociedad, Manchester United must hope that they’re still in a position to lure Aguerd away from West Ham on a permanent basis and out of the clutches of the La Liga side this summer.