Manchester United are reportedly entering the race to secure the services of Benjamin Pavard, joining their rivals Manchester City in pursuit of the Bayern Munich defender. It is believed that Pavard is among several players listed for transfer by the Bavarian club as they aim to raise funds for a bid on Harry Kane.
While Pavard made appearances in 30 of Bayern’s Bundesliga matches last season, it seems that the club is favoring younger options such as Noussair Mazraoui and Josip Stanisic, indicating an imminent departure for the Frenchman. Sky Sports Germany suggests that Manchester United, under the management of Erik ten Hag, is not only focused on securing a new goalkeeper and center-forward but also interested in strengthening other areas, including the pursuit of Pavard.
Despite having the highest number of clean sheets in the previous Premier League season, Manchester United’s defense remains an area that Ten Hag is eager to bolster. The potential signing of Pavard may raise questions about the futures of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but the United manager is reportedly impressed by the 27-year-old’s versatility, capable of playing as a right-back or in central defense.
In a similar vein, Manchester City, the recent treble winners, are also rumored to be keen on acquiring Pavard. The uncertainty surrounding the futures of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo at City could potentially pave the way for Pavard to fit seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s flexible defensive system, which alternates between a back four and a back three. There have even been suggestions of a possible swap deal between Walker and Pavard, especially with Walker being linked to a move to Bavaria.
However, if a deal for Pavard does not materialize, City may turn their attention to Achraf Hakimi in their search for a new right-back. Guardiola is reputedly a great admirer of the attacking full-back and the club is reportedly willing to pay a premium fee to lure him away from Paris Saint-Germain, where Hakimi experienced a challenging season. Concerns over legal troubles and two consecutive red cards towards the end of the campaign have cast doubt on Hakimi’s future in the French capital.
Hakimi’s playing style closely resembles that of Cancelo, as both are dynamic full-backs who contribute goals and are comfortable advancing into the opposition’s territory. However, it seems unlikely that Cancelo has a future at Etihad Stadium following his falling out with Guardiola, which led to his loan move to Bayern Munich.
To sum up, both Manchester United and Manchester City are actively pursuing the signing of Benjamin Pavard, with United eyeing his versatility and City considering him as a potential replacement for their uncertain right-back options. Meanwhile, City may alternatively pursue Achraf Hakimi if the deal for Pavard falls through, despite concerns over his recent disciplinary issues.