If a report from L’Équipe (as told by Football.London) is believed to be accurate, Manchester United are expected to rival Chelsea for Benjamin Pavard. The versatile defender is enjoying his time at Bayern Munich. But he played it coy while speaking to Rothen s’enflamme when asked about his future amid the ongoing transfer rumours.
“I didn’t win the title in France, I have to win in France. If the opportunity arises one day and I can win in France, why not. I’m open to everything.”
Told the 26-year-old (as quoted by Football.London), who still has a couple of years left in his Bayern contract.
Pavard grabbed the limelight during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He was majestic for France as the right fullback, and his stellar strike against Argentina was voted as goal of the tournament. Les Bleus went on to conquer the coveted crown defeating Croatia in the Moscow final, and the defensive ace joined the Bavarians from VfB Stuttgart a year later.
Die Schwaben accepted a fee of around £31.4m from the Bundesliga champions, who banked on the player’s potential despite him fighting relegation all throughout the 2018-19 season. So far, he has featured 119 times for the Reds across competitions. However, the summer arrivals of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt might jeopardise his game-time in the upcoming years.
Why Manchester United Should Opt For Pavard
Manchester United, meanwhile, are desperate to script a swift transition under new boss Erik ten Hag. Their pressing game has earned accolades in the pre-season outings, also the manager is conducting the recruitment drive himself by roping in names who fit in his philosophy. Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia are exciting additions in the defensive third, but they need an outright right-back as well to replace underwhelming Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Although they also have Diogo Dalot in their ranks who impressed in limited minutes. But the young Portuguese is not ready yet to secure a starting status week in, week out. The Red Devils must make a statement signing down the right and the composure of Pavard between defence and attack makes him an obvious choice provided he is made available by the German giants.
The former Lille academy prodigy had a disappointing 2021-22 season with just 2 assists in 36 games. Nevertheless, he is well capable of turning things around, and therefore, must explore a fresh opportunity to continue as a regular starter. Bayern are yet to offer him a contract extension, and an ambitious bid from United should do the trick for all parties involved.
