Manchester United loanee could leave as manager says transfer ‘possible’

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Di’Shon Bernard could be offered a route out of Manchester United with Portsmouth open to signing the Premier League loanee on a permanent basis during the summer transfer window. 

At the age of 22, and with his 23^rd birthday only a few months away, the ship appears to have long-since sailed as far as a first-team spot at Old Trafford is concerned.

At least, following a couple of loan spells in the EFL, Bernard has proven himself capable of making the step up from academy to senior football; now at Portsmouth after spells at Salford City and Hull.

Bernard has impressed Pompey boss John Mousinho, despite finding himself in and out of the starting XI at Fratton Park. Mousinho is not ruling out a full-time switch either, his Man United contract expiring in 2024.

“Quite possibly,” Mousinho tells The News when quizzed about signing the one-time Chelsea youngster, who made his United bow under Ole Gunner Solskjaer during a Europa League clash against Astana.

“We’ll see what’s happening with Di’Shon. It’s been really good to have a look at him these past couple of games.”

Is Di’Shon Bernard leaving Manchester United

Bernard impressed in his ‘natural’ centre-half position against Accrington Stanley and Oxford United. He had featured on the right-hand side earlier in his Portsmouth career. Bernard’s ball-carrying ability from a central position has caught the eye too.

“I thought he came in and played really well against Oxford. Particularly having picked up a booking in the first half,” Mousinho adds.

“That can be really tricky for a centre-half dealing with a powerful and pacy centre-forward. We felt he did that well in his defending and also coming out from the back with the ball.

“There were a couple of moments in the second half when he opened up and went past centre-forwards. It’s really pleasing to see him do that. We’d like him to try it a bit more from the back. I think he can do it from both sides and he’s really effective.

“Carrying the ball from the back is something we really encourage our centre-halves to do.”

With his contract running down, Man United are unlikely to stand in Bernard’s way if he wishes to bring an end to six years at Old Trafford during the summer transfer window.