Manchester United ended last season with two impressive left backs but the position has been a nightmare for Erik ten Hag throughout this season.
United appeared to have found the right blend at left back.
Luke Shaw, a tried and tested Premier League left back, alongside Tyrell Malacia, a younger defender who had shown promise in his first Premier League season.
United fans were expecting to see the pair battle it out again this season but United have been hit with problems at left back all season long.
Shaw has picked up multiple injury problems this season and has been limited to just 12 Premier League starts this season.
As for Malacia, the Dutchman had a problem in pre-season and hasn’t been seen in first-team action all term.
Sergio Reguilon came in on loan from Tottenham Hotspur but was sent packing in January with Erik ten Hag seemingly unconvinced.
Fabrizio Romano claims that United are already planning to land a young left back this summer and one name has now emerged.
The London Evening Standard claim that United are in contact over a potential deal for Nice defender Melvin Bard.
Ineos control both United and Nice, so we could see Bard move between the two clubs thanks to that Sir Jim Ratcliffe connection.
Bard would fit the bill as being a left back to develop for the future, so let’s dig into the Nice talent’s background…
Melvin Bard, the story so far
Bard hails from Ecully, just outside of Lyon, and he was picked up by the Lyon academy as a teenager.
The 5ft 8in left back featured in the Lyon B team, recording one goal and two assists in 34 appearances.
Bard only managed 19 first-team outings though, leading to his 2021 sale to French rivals Nice.
Now 23, Bard has made over 100 appearances for Nice and has been a key player this season.
Bard has picked up two assists in 26 Ligue 1 games this season, playing a key role under Francesco Farioli.
A regular for France from Under-17 all the way up to the Under 21’s, Bard is yet to earn a senior cap but he has plenty of time on his side.
Melvin Bard player profile
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 06/11/2000
- Position: Left back
- Club: OGC Nice
- Former clubs: Lyon
- Nationality: French
- Contract: Until June 2026
Melvin Bard, what they say
“Melvin is one of three players who have pleasantly surprised me so far. His development has been excellent. I was slightly puzzled about whether he could adapt to our system, but for the last seven weeks, he has worked with total commitment and incredible application. He did excellently in the first two league games and in the friendlies. If a player were to come in to add to the squad, they would face stiff competition, as Melvin is doing an excellent job. He’s a hugely reliable and top-quality player. I’m very happy with him; he’s constantly developing,” – Nice boss Francesco Farioli.
“He’s really settled in well. He’s surprised me in a positive way. He really listens to advice, and he wants to improve. He’s a very intelligent boy. I’ve adopted him somewhat because he plays next to me. I give him a lot of advice and I do my best to help him out on the pitch. I really like Melvin. He has so much talent, I think he’ll have a great career. If he keeps on working hard like he’s doing at the moment, he’ll reach the highest level.” – Nice teammate Dante.
“There are still many aspects of his game he needs to work on. But he’s a serious kid with real ability. He listens, he observes and carries out the instructions we give him. It’s a pleasure to coach someone like that,” – former Nice boss Christophe Galtier.
Melvin Bard to Manchester United analysis
Bard fits a similar mould to Malacia; a fairly diminutive left back with some potential for the future.
Bringing in Bard may well lead to Malacia being loaned out for first-team minutes, as carrying all three of Shaw, Malacia and Bard may be pushing it at left back.
Ineos know all about Bard from their project at Nice and may well believe that he can make the step up at United.
Bard hasn’t absolutely dominated in France, which may lead some to question whether he can thrive at United.
This would be one where fans would have to trust Ineos, with Bard a more surprising target than teammate Jean-Clair Todibo.
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