Another name has entered the centre-back fray for Manchester United and Jose Mourinho won’t be happy with this recent development, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag has identified the centre-back position as one of his priority positions that Manchester United need to strengthen in the Summer transfer window.
The injury issues that Raphael Varane, in particular, has suffered this season has meant that Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans have featured heavily for the Red Devils this season.
Jean-Clair Todibo has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford next summer but another name has entered the running for the position in the team.
United add another target
According to a report from Italian outlet Il Romanista, United have added Gianluca Mancini to their list of defensive targets ahead of a potential move for the Italian next summer.
The website explains the Italian has ‘entered the sights’ of United, who need a ‘reliable central defender’ to help out Varane, who has seen a recent dip in his United form.
Mancini has been described as a ‘welcome profile’ around Old Trafford, and his valuation of around €20m (£17 million) is an amount United can ‘easily dispose of’.
Mancini, 27, currently plies his trade for Italian side AS Roma, a team managed by former United boss Jose Mourinho, so the Portuguese manager will be furious over these recent developments.
Mancini joined Roma from Atalanta back in 2019 and has made 12 appearances for the Italian giants this season, scoring once in the 7-0 demolition of Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico.
It seems Mourinho has been very happy with the Italian this season, which may well explain United’s interest in the defender if this report is to be believed.
“He’s grown as a player and as a man. He has grown in terms of intelligence on the pitch. Last year he had 13-14 yellow cards to his name, this year only 4. This year he’s careful, clean, serious. I’m really happy,” Mourinho told RomaPress after the Italian scored against Empoli.
Mancini represents a decent option
The Italian defender would be a cheap option for the Red Devils and could be a wise choice if they are in need of defensive reinforcements.
If United are to make a move for a defender, the futures of Maguire and Victor Lindelof may well need to be sorted before they make a move for a defender like Mancini.
Maguire has been superb recently and Lindelof has been rewarded following his goal against Luton Town with some personal accolades, Ten Hag is in an unenviable decision.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
