Manchester United have identified a top target in an attempt to strengthen their back line with the ‘Perfect’ Premier League star.
Manchester United have been in fine form as of late thanks to the huge investment in the front line. Last summer saw the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško as United spent over £200 million.
With United only having the Premier League on their mind, their efforts to secure Champions League football will require attention towards the club’s squad depth next season.
With the potential departure of Harry Maguire on the cards, recruitment to United’s defence would be imperative to their chances of European success.
United have identified a potential summer target who fits the mould, but would face heavy competition from other European clubs.
Man United eyeing Malick Thiaw
As reported by SportsBoom, Man United are among several clubs taking an interest in Newcastle United’s Malick Thiaw, with the German only arriving in Newcastle during the summer.
Thiaw could see an exit with European football looking unlikely for the Magpies, but Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also shown interest.
The 24-year-old has impressed in black and white following doubts about his move away from AC Milan, where game time was much thinner.
Thiaw totalled 32 appearances for AC Milan last season, but the young defender has already racked up 39 appearances for Newcastle, with 12 games still to go in the Premier League.
A move could be deserved for Thiaw, who signed for Newcastle for an initial £30 million. Eddie Howe may be forced into a full defensive change as Sven Botman could also leave.
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How would Thiaw work at Old Trafford?
Standing at 194cm, Thiaw has shown his aerial threat on multiple occasions this season, scoring four goals in the Premier League this season.
United’s set-piece work has been an essential factor to their success this season, with the likes of Maguire, Casemiro and Šeško proving to be impactful in the air.
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Thiaw also excels as a ball-playing defender. With United finding lots of joy from line-breaking passes this season, this could be a ‘huge’ quality that could see a move to Old Trafford.
Thiaw would cost a large sum from United, but securing Champions League football could free up the financial freedom for a big move, as well as players such as Tyrell Malacia and Manuel Ugarte moving on from the club.
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