Manchester United target ‘set to stay’ at current club after contract U-turn scuppers transfer

Manchester United have been hit with a fresh transfer blow as Nuno Mendes is now likely to stay at Paris St. Germain following a U-turn.

Over the last few weeks, multiple reports have confirmed that Manchester United had set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes, with Rúben Amorim determined to fix the defensive issues that have plagued his team.

United’s struggles at the back, particularly their inability to defend set pieces, have been a major concern under Amorim’s management. Strengthening the defence has become a top priority, with left-back identified as a key area in need of reinforcement.

Luke Shaw, the club’s long-standing left-back, has faced consistent injury problems since suffering a horrific double leg fracture in a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Shaw’s understudy, Tyrell Malacia, has also had his share of setbacks, recently returning from a 17-month layoff after undergoing multiple surgeries for a serious knee injury.

In the interim, Diogo Dalot has been deployed on the left, but Amorim has admitted that Dalot is more effective in his natural role on the right.

Mendes set to stay at PSG

However, according to L’Équipe, Mendes has now closed the door on a potential switch to United this summer.

It is stated by the French outlet that Mendes now sees himself staying at the Ligue 1 outfit despite initial problems with the contract offer he had been handed, with his current deal expiring in 2026.

His representatives now believe that he is set to put pen to paper on a new deal that would extend his stay at the Parc des Princes.

Manager Luis Enrique was reportedly instrumental in convening the 21-year-old to remain in France despite interest from his former Sporting coach Amorim, and he will now remain a big part of the ongoing project in Paris.

Who else could United sign at left-back?

Although United generated a reported list of targets for the position, some of the options that have been considered are now set to stay at their current clubs.

Aside from Mendes, alternative target Alphonso Davies is now set to stay at Bayern Munich and sign a new deal that will keep him in Germany beyond the 2025 summer window.

United have eyes on Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, but the Hungary international is said to favour a move for Liverpool over either United or Manchester City this summer.

Amorim’s best value-for-money option remains Alvaro Fernandez. The Spaniyard left United for Benfica last year after Erik ten Hag did not hand him game time, and has flourished ever since.

Although he has a release clause of above £40 million in his current contract, United have a buy-back option for around £16 million, which lasts until 2026.

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