Manchester United Set To Battle For 28 Y/O Southampton Defender: What Can He Add To Mourinho’s Side?

By
Abhinab Ghosh
-

Manchester United are looking to secure the services of Southampton full-back Ryan Bertrand this summer. According to recent reports, the Red Devils are prepared to make a move for the England international when the transfer window opens in the summer. It is believed that the Saints left-back is keen on a move away from the St. Mary’s Stadium at the end of the current season. 

However, United will face stiff competition from a host of English clubs in pursuit of Bertrand’s signature. Some sources are claiming that the Red Devils are on the lookout for a new full-back and could opt for the English defender if their move for Danny Rose does not materialise in the off-season.

Bertrand signed for the South-coast club in 2015 and penned a £80,000-a-week, five-year contract in 2016. However, it looks like his time at the St. Mary’s Stadium is coming to an end this summer especially if Southampton end up getting relegated this season.

It is also being reported that Bertrand is ready to fight for every ball and give it his all in the Saints’ fight for survival going into the business end of the season.

Manchester United are occupying the second spot in the league table with a tally of 77 points after 36 gameweeks in the English top-flight. Mourinho needs to bring in some quality players in the summer transfer period if his team is serious about closing the gap with Manchester City and mount a realistic title challenge in the next campaign.

The addition of Bertrand will undoubtedly bolster Mourinho’s defensive options ahead of the new campaign. United already have the likes of Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo vying for a place in Mourinho’s first-team. The potential acquisition of Bertrand will improve their squad significantly and add more competition for places in the Red Devils first-team.

Read More: Manchester United Ready To Offer Two Stars For Neymar: Should They Go Ahead With The Deal?

The England international is quite versatile and primarily operates as a left-back but can also play in a more advanced role down the left flank which makes him a perfect fit for Mourinho’s United.

At 28, Bertrand still has his peak years ahead of him which United could look to utilise in the coming years. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Bertrand and whether he ends up plying his trade at Old Trafford next season.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR