Recent reports claim that Manchester United are taking a closer look into Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson. The youngster has impressed for the Swans this season and could be on his way out of the Liberty Stadium if an optimal bid comes in.
The 24-year-old signed with the Welsh outfit in the summer of 2016 after appearing just three times for Barnsley in the previous season. He developed his game through the revolving doors of loan spells with Maidenhead United, Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town and Welling United.
He was primarily a product of the Reading FC youth academy and was later released by the club when he was 15. Brentford provided him with the opportunity as a professional and signed him up to a 2-year scholarship. Mawson made his senior debut against Derby County in the FA Cup Second Round 5-0 defeat in August 2013.
He has been capped 6 times for the England U21 team and has cemented a starting berth in the Swans team. He has appeared in 65 games for Swansea, 38 of those registered this season alone.
The centre-back has established himself as one of the best defenders among the lower placed Premier League outfits. His solid tackling abilities have come under the spotlight in Swansea’s resurgence to Premier League safety. Mawson has proven to be an ideal replacement for Ashley Williams and will be key in the final stretch of the season.
Manchester United’s defensive problems have been exposed, ever since Eric Bailly went down to an injury earlier in the season. The Ivorian’s absence has allowed Phil Jones and Chris Smalling to feature heavily at the United backline but the duo has struggled.
Mourinho already revealed his wishes to offload at least one of the centre-backs in the summer in order to make way for a new signing. He is eager to bolster the club ranks ahead of the 2018/19 season in order to finally start matching strides with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The Citizens have trumped them in almost every competition other than the FA Cup this season. Guardiola is on his way to his first Premier League title and has already acquired silverware through the Carabo Cup.
He even managed to progress to the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League, one better than the Red Devils even though the humiliating 5-1 aggregate loss to Liverpool almost discounts that achievement altogether.
Mawson could partner up with Bailly at Old Trafford and try to make a case for a national team selection. His chances will severely improve if he plays for a title challenging side.
