Manchester United will have competition for one of their reported free-agent targets this summer as Rúben Amorim looks to bolster his defensive line.
After heavy investment in attack last summer, Manchester United are expected to turn their attention to strengthening the defence over the next two transfer windows to stop the flow of goals.
The back line has looked more stable since Senne Lammens came into the side, with the goalkeeper earning three wins and a draw in his first four matches, but there remains plenty of improvement to be made.
Casemiro has played a vital role this season, yet his contract expires in the summer, and even if he stays, his minutes will likely decrease, making a new defensive midfielder a major priority.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire’s deal runs out in June 2026, with Luke Shaw’s expiring a year later. Rúben Amorim will be keen to add experienced, quick, and technically skilled defenders as he continues reshaping his squad over the coming windows.
Romano provides latest on Upamecano’s future
According to reports from last month, one defender that United are looking to secure next summer is Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, who is set to become a free agent in July 2026 unless he signs a new deal with the German club.
Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, admitted last week that the club are doing everything in their power to secure the Frenchman’s long-term future, but as of yet, the 27-year-old has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the situation over Upamecano’s possible new club is becoming one to watch, as Premier League sides, as well as those in Spain and France, are closely following the developments.
“Keep an eye on the situation of Dayot Upamecano,” Romano said on YouTube. “Because, for Upamecano, the director of Bayern, Max Eberl, they say that we want to do everything possible to extend this contract.
“And he’s being honest in saying that, because Bayern are talking with the agents of Upamecano. There is a negotiation, there is a conversation. Bayern will meet again with the agents.
But for Upamecano, there are several clubs starting to call — from the Premier League, from La Liga, but also from France. Paris and Germany are following the situation of Upamecano. So he could be one of the options being monitored by PSG, only in case he doesn’t extend the contract at Bayern.
So if Upamecano will be available for free in the summer transfer window, PSG will be, together with Premier League and La Liga clubs, attentive to the situation. So keep an eye on Upamecano.”
Experience and reliability needed at United
United’s defensive issues have been apparent under Amorim, with the side having now conceded 100 goals in 53 fixtures since the head coach’s appointment.
The club’s two best summer signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, have hit the ground running due to their Premier League experience and can already be relied upon as key players in the squad.
With Upamecano, although he has yet to play in the Premier League, he certainly has the experience to do so. The Frenchman has 59 Champions League appearances to his name, as well as 222 Bundesliga fixtures for Bayern, but there may be a question surrounding his reliability.
He has missed 31 fixtures since the start of 2023 for club and country due to eight separate minor injury problems, which could result in further issues down the line. The Premier League is considered the most physical league in the world, so Upamecano’s durability will need to be taken into account.
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