Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is in desperate need of a left wingback with Diogo Dalot struggling to provide the cutting edge required, especially in an attacking sense.
This was expected given the Portuguese is a right-back by trade but has been forced to play there amid Luke Shaw’s injury-enforced absence while Tyrell Malacia, who has struggled since his return from injury, linked with a January exit.
After being priced out of a move for Nuno Mendes, the club shifted its attention to Patrick Dorgu of Lecce but so far, their offers have fallen short of Lecce’s demands with Napoli competing for his signature.
Givemesport have claimed that the Red Devils will not rush into making a panic decision should they miss out on the versatile Danish star.
United will not panic buy a left wingback this January
They are prepared to wait till the summer in that case with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also deemed too expensive for the winter window.
This effectively means a move for former Carrington graduate Alvaro Fernandez is unlikely despite the club having the option of reacquiring him for only £16.9 million.
The Spaniard is attracting interest from Barcelona after his impressive displays for Benfica and the Red Devils will not stand in their way should they match the Portuguese side’s valuation.
“GMS sources have been told that Manchester United are unlikely to turn their attentions towards Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez if they are left frustrated in their pursuit of Dorgu as there are doubts over whether he is the long-term solution to their problems in the left wing-back position.
United will not activate Alvaro’s buyback clause
“Manchester United are prepared to wait until the summer to bolster their options if their top target cannot be signed and an attractive alternative proposition does not arise, GMS sources understand.”
The 21-year-old has played as a left-back for Benfica, netting three goals while also notching four assists in 30 games across all competitions this season.
The Spain U21 international has impressed moving forward, which is why there has been a clamour on social media for the 20-time English league champions to activate their buyback clause especially due to the lack of options at Amorim’s disposal.
But there remain question marks defensively with Barca taking full advantage of his errors in their most recent Champions League meeting. Which is most probably why the Old Trafford side have stayed away for now.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
