Manchester United still ‘closely watching’ World Cup winner ahead of summer window

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Manchester United are continuing to watch Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard ahead of the summer transfer window.

With seasons coming to an end across Europe, it is the final chance for Manchester United’s scouts to watch players and add to their reports.

By this late stage of course, they should have a pretty good idea of if a player is worth signing or not. What they may be watching for, is how a player copes under the pressure of a title race, or if they can keep their intensity up when there is nothing to play for.

One player Manchester United are still scouting is Bayern Munich right-back Benjamin Pavard, reports 90 Min.

Manchester United watching Benjamin Pavard

The 90 Min report claims Manchester United had scouts at Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga clash with RB Leipzig at the weekend, to ‘closely watch’ Benjamin Pavard.

It was not a memorable game for Pavard, with Bayern Munich slipping to a 3-1 home defeat.

However, rather than playing in his preferring right-back role, Pavard was deployed as a centre-back, with Noussair Mazraoui in his position.

Bayern’s makeshift defence was undone with two late goals for the visitors.

Pavard has flitted between right-back and centre-back this season, and his ability to play more than one role may appeal to Erik ten Hag.

The 27-year-old is an international teammate of Raphael Varane, and last year he admitted he may be coming to the end of his spell at Bayern.

Pavard told L’Equipe: “There’ve been no concrete talks over new contract. I’ve immense respect for Bayern — I’m not against discovering a new project.

“Maybe now is the time. Why not discover new country? The sporting project has to be interesting.”

Pavard’s deal expires in June 2024 and the 2018 World Cup winner’s future is no clearer. If United want a safe pair of hands at right-back, he is an option worth exploring.

Clearly from the latest scouting mission, United are keen to be as informed as possible as they weigh up big recruitment decisions this summer.