‘Top’ Euro 2024 defender should be a target for Man United, he could solve two problems at once

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Manchester United should make a move for one of the stars from Euro 2024 and he could solve two problems in one for the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have had a very good start to the summer transfer window in what is Ineos’ first experience with their full backroom staff in place.

Dan Ashworth is the club’s new sporting director with Christoper Vivell playing a key role in recruitment with Jason Wilcox as technical director.

Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee was confirmed as the club’s first signing of the summer earlier this week and the Red Devils are also closing in on the extraordinary signing of centre-back Leny Yoro.

However, a second centre-back is needed this summer for the Red Devils.

Euro 2024 star could solve two key problems

During the 2024 European Championships, Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko, who the Red Devils have been linked with, proved himself to be a more than capable defender in the heart of the national team’s defence.

Hancko, 26, is a left-footed Slovenian centre-back, who can also play at left-back and he could be the man to solve two key problems.

Matthijs De Ligt has been heavily linked as a signing for the Red Devils this summer but German journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed United would not go near the £42 million price tag set by Bayern Munich.

However, with Leny Yoro completing his move to Old Trafford, a right-sided defender would not be needed with the addition of the French teenager.

Hancko, however, would solve the issue of needing a backup for Lisandro Martinez but also Luke Shaw, if the Englishman continues with the injury problems that scuppered his season so heavily last year.

‘Genius’ Hancko could be available for a decent price

Ex-Feyenoord defender Tim de Cler was full of praise for Hancko, who has been linked to Liverpool, when speaking to Dutch outlet SoccerNews.

“He is so stable and can basically do anything. I just think he is a top defender all-round,” he said.

“I think he can easily handle a club just below the top six in Europe. Then I’m talking about a club like Atlético Madrid or Liverpool. He can certainly handle that.”

Hancko was praised for a ‘fake’ throw in during the 2024 Euros and was hailed as a ‘genius’ by fans of Slovenia on X.

Last season, Hancko made 34 Eredivisie appearances for the Dutch side, scoring five goals and providing two assists.

Hancko’s statistics are extraordinary. According to FBREF, the Slovenian ranks in the top percentile across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes, touches, shot creation actions and expected assists.

He is certainly a very creative defender and very versatile. With Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claiming he is available for £30 million, United should take advantage of this market opportunity.