Mason Mount was brought to Old Trafford by Manchester United for a sum that may eventually reach £60 million, marking the only acquisition of the transfer window thus far.
Erik ten Hag will be keen to add a few more players to his squad with the Premier League season starting in just a few weeks, and AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez may be a possible option.
Theo Hernandez: Is Manchester United interested?
In order to improve his defensive options, Ten Hag is reportedly keen on luring the Frenchman to Manchester before the 2023–24 season.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), links for the left-back first emerged last month. Milan demanded a “sensational” offer before they would consider parting ways with one of their prized assets this summer.
In order to sign him, the Red Devils are willing to pay about €60 million (£51 million), which might be enough to persuade the Serie A team to make a sale during the transfer window.
What advantages might Theo Hernandez have for Manchester United?
The 25-year-old would be a great addition to the United team because he could provide a significant attacking threat from left-back.
In Serie A last season, the defender made 1.2 key passes per game, which would place him fourth in the United squad. He also completed 0.6 successful dribbles per game, which would place him second among all Red Devils defenders, suggesting that he could offer something different to the club’s current crop of defenders.
FBref ranks him in the top 5% for total shots per 90 (1.48) and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90 (3.37) among Europe’s major five leagues. Ten Hag would be acquiring one of the best attacking full-backs on the continent if he were to be successful in his pursuit of Hernandez.
This is good news for the entire United team as well as Marcus Rashford in particular, who he may team up with down the left side of the pitch next season.
The Englishman has had his most productive season since making his United debut in 2016 under Ten Hag, contributing to 41 goals – 30 goals and 11 assists – across all competitions while typically playing on the left wing.
Since the Dutchman is actively seeking a new striker, Rashford might continue to play from a wide position, and Hernandez could use his skills to produce a tonne more opportunities for him. The United forward has scored 15 of his league-high 17 goals from inside the penalty box, according to WhoScored, and the Frenchman’s regular passes may find their way to them.
He can play both phases very well, and his physical attributes are sufficient for him to remain in the game, according to Stefano Pioli, who was very complimentary of the defender in 2021. He has a great chance of becoming the best.
I always tell him that he shouldn’t be content with being talented even though he has only been playing for a year and a half.
“He has extraordinary physical strength and quality, but he needs to demonstrate his desire to improve every day,”
On the surface, £51 million may seem like a lot, but given Ten Hag’s attacking skills and the possibility that he could become Marcus Rashford’s ideal partner, a transfer for him this summer may be worthwhile.
