Sky Sports has reported that Manchester United are keeping a keen eye on Bayern Munich defender David Alaba this summer. However, it is believed that the Red Devils could face competition from Chelsea and Manchester City in the chase to recruit the Austrian international during this summer transfer window (via Sky Sports).
Alaba’s Sensational Form At Munich This Season
Alaba has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his long and illustrious career at the Allianz Arena as he managed to help his side reach the final of the UEFA Champions League where they will now face PSG.
The Austrian defensive ace has rediscovered himself as a centre-back after putting in a series of commanding displays at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s defence. The Wien-born footballer has taken part in 40 matches for the Bavarian outfit this term, registering two goals and two assists in multiple competitions.
Alaba has done well to average 1.0 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 0.6 shots and 0.7 key passes per game in the German top-flight and the Champions League this season. He has excelled at distributing the ball out from the back based on his pass completion rate of 90.7% in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Will The Bundesliga Star Add To Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Side?
Alaba made a name for himself in the left-back position, but Flick has often deployed him as a centre-back where he has excelled because of his pace to make recovering runs inside his half. The Bayern star has often stepped up and gave a good account of himself in the defensive end of the field. The Austrian can mop up the danger without breaking a sweat and is usually quite reliable with the ball at his feet. He has also managed to pull off some crucial clearances at the back which has enhanced his reputation in European football.
It seems like Alaba is now enjoying life in central defence as he has lost a yard of pace from his game over the past couple of years which has lessened his impact at left-back. Plus, the incredible recent emergence of Alphonso Davies has forced the 72-capped Austrian international to move to the centre-back position this season.
Man United suffered a poor defeat versus Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League semifinals earlier this month after both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof conceded two cheap goals during the 90 minutes. That loss has increased Man United’s need to bolster their defence this summer. Alaba fits the bill perfectly as he has got what it takes to form a dominant partnership with Maguire at Old Trafford in the coming seasons.
It is no wonder that so many top Premier League clubs are considering him this summer as his current contract at Munich is set to expire at the end of next season. Bayern will need to cash in on him soon if they want to avoid losing him for free next year which could open the door for the Red Devils to seal a move for him this summer.
