Manchester United could be keen to strengthen the left-wing back position in 2026 and have registered an interest in a Bundesliga star.
Last year, Manchester United signed Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu in January. Due to data from the Serie A, there was a belief that United were getting an ultra-attacking wing-back. That, however, couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Dorgu is an outstanding athlete and is defensively solid, but has struggled to make an impact in the final third, despite the fact that he was used on the right wing on a few occasions during his time at Lecce.
Diogo Dalot has also regularly occupied the left-wing back position, but he also doesn’t suit the role due to his deficiencies in the final third. He is technically excellent and is athletically impressive, but his best work is done in build-up, not in the final third.
Harry Amass has impressed on loan, and Diego Leon looks exciting in the under-21s, but neither are ready to start week in, week out for Rúben Amorim’s side. Therefore, a left-wing back will likely be on United’s recruitment agenda, either in January or in the summer.
United admire Brown
United are said to be keen on Eintracht Frankfurt left-wing back Nathaniel Brown. The German has become an integral part of Dino Topmöller’s side since joining in 2024, and made his debut for the German national team in October against Luxembourg.
According to BILD, United have Brown ‘on their radar’, as do Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid. Eintracht Frankfurt expect to receive a significant fee for the 22-year-old wide player.
The German side are aware of interest from United and other clubs, and would demand a fee in the region of £55-60 million, with the fee Chelsea paid to Brighton and Hove Albion for Marc Cucurella being used as a benchmark.
United could have money to spend in the January window, especially if Joshua Zirkzee leaves the club on a permanent transfer, although United may want to spend that money on a new centre-forward.
Brown would be an astute signing
Nathaniel Brown would be a good addition to Amorim’s squad, although the transfer fee quoted is steep.
Brown has the ideal physical profile to play at wing-back, and also offers a reliable presence in the final third, something that can’t be said about Dorgu and Dalot.
In addition to his qualities in the final third, Brown also has good pace and is strong in duels. His tactical understanding of the game is also quite impressive.
Frankfurt are good negotiators and more often than not, they get what they want regarding transfer fees. Omar Berrada and co would therefore have their work cut out for them in negotiations, but if they could drive the price down to somewhere around £45 million, United should definitely do a deal.
Brown would be a significant upgrade on the options Amorim currently has at left-wing back. That position is certainly one of the weaker areas of the squad, and money needs to be invested there, sooner rather than later.
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