Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard as a replacement for Harry Maguire, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.
The journalist claims that manager Erik ten Hag “wants” the World Cup winner and “concrete talks” are being held about a €30m (£26m) transfer:
ℹ️ ManUtd, at this stage the favorite in the poker for Benjamin #Pavard!
➡️ Pavard can really imagine to join #MUFC as Ten Hag wants him
➡️ Concrete talks are ongoing and positive
➡️ Price valuation: Around €30m.Tuchel wants to keep him. Pavard wants to leave Bayern.… pic.twitter.com/iFO3aRGnAW
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 9, 2023
When asked on X (formerly known as Twitter) whether they would be happy if United recruited Pavard, fans were very much divided on the subject:
Should be worth double I'm absolutely over the moon
— NotNathaniel🔰 (@nnoyingNathaN) August 9, 2023
No he’s worse then Maguire
— fuad (@fuad65g) August 9, 2023
Yup, for his quality it’ll be a bargain and it’ll cover depth.
— Dani Life (@dj_life22) August 9, 2023
We don't need him. He's way past his prime
— 👉😶👈Jr_Ekosa Uzezi 🐐 (@jr_ekosa2090) August 9, 2023
I would be happy this
— ItsHybrid (@ItsHybrid7) August 9, 2023
Big NO.
— Fanuel Leonard (@aketofanuel310) August 9, 2023
Why are people so against this? Literally better than the other 2 options
— 🇶🇦🇶🇦🇶🇦🇶🇦🇶🇦 (@GlazersStink) August 9, 2023
Would rather todibo for £35m tbh
— 🤔 (@bxtomufc) August 9, 2023
A good bargain
— Daddy Sarah (@OduwoleJ) August 9, 2023
Pavard will be a decent utility player
The Frenchman is equally adept playing as a centre-half or right-back and his ability to cover in multiple positions will make him a useful squad option for Erik ten Hag.
Combined with his low price tag, there are probably more upsides to signing Pavard than the other targets being looked at to reinforce the backline if Harry Maguire leaves.
United are working within tight financial constraints
The likes of Jean-Clair Todibo or Edmond Tapsoba may well be younger and have greater potential, as some fans have pointed out, but the cost to sign them may prove to be too high.
It is believed that Todibo will cost around €10m more, while Tapsoba may be valued at an even higher amount. With United keen on recruiting another midfielder too, they will have to be mindful of their budget, which makes Pavard the top candidate. The likes of Chelsea and Liverpool have been mentioned as potential rivals for the defender’s signature but, as things stand, United are the favourites.
