United lock horns with European giants in €25m chase for dominant, no‑nonsense defender – report

In recent weeks, Manchester United’s defence has proved to be a major let‑down. Although United are now scoring goals with relative ease, their frailties at the back; evident in the chaotic 4‑4 draw with Bournemouth and the frustrating 1‑1 stalemate against Wolverhampton Wanderers, have repeatedly denied them maximum points. Consequently, despite other pressing transfer priorities in midfield and attack, United can hardly be criticised for directing some of their winter budget towards strengthening the back line. Serie A defender eyed If a defender is indeed to be signed, Italian outlet Gazzetta di Modena claim the target could be U.S. Sassuolo Calcio’s Tarik Muharemovic. According to their report: “Aston Villa, Bournemouth, and Manchester United are tracking the black‑and‑green defender, with Red Devils representatives watching him live at the Dall’Ara in Bologna, where he also found the net.” Notably, the 22‑year‑old’s pursuit is not confined to the Premier League, as the Italian paper further notes: “But the Nerazzurri and Juventus are studying their moves to secure him ahead of the competition.” Muharemovic: a dominant, no‑nonsense defender Muharemovic has been described as a physically imposing presence. The left‑footed centre‑back has impressed with his aerial dominance, uncompromising tackling, and sharp reading of the game. Crucially, he blends defensive solidity with the ability to launch attacks through long passes, while also offering a surprising goal threat from set‑pieces, contributing four goals already this season. Given United head coach Ruben Amorim’s system relies heavily on a deep pool of centre‑backs, Muharemovic could represent a shrewd addition. Perfect Maguire heir for £21.8 million With Harry Maguire likely to leave United in the summer as a free agent, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international appears a ready‑made heir. Indeed, Sassuolo as per GIFN have slapped a €25 million (£21.8 million) price tag on the defender’s head, a fee that could secure Manchester United a commanding addition at the heart of their defence. Featured image Alessandro Sabattini via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.