According to L'Equipe, Manchester United is one of the clubs keeping an eye on Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard as Erik ten Hag continues to look for defensive reinforcements.
Man United's new manager has already added Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia, both of whom have moved from the Eredivisie to the Premier League, but more could be on the way.
Right-back is a concern, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka not fitting the possession style of football Ten Hag prefers. As a result, Diogo Dalot has made a regular appearance in pre-season, while Jonathan Clauss was linked before agreeing to join Marseille.
Pavard appears to be another name in the mix for Manchester United, though not as a replacement for Wan-Bissaka. This is because the Frenchman insists on playing center-back.
Pavard is a natural centre-back, despite having spent the majority of the last three years at right-back for both club and country. Bayern spotted him in this position at Stuttgart, and he has previously stated that he wants to play centrally.
He told the French publication RMC: "I can assist on the right flank, but my primary position is as a central defender. I'd like to play central defender because that's where I've been since I was in the U19s. In this position, I feel very at ease and fulfilled."
While Pavard may start at right-back on the team sheet, in Bayern's system, he naturally drops deeper and more centrally to allow Alphonso Davies to fly forward on the left, essentially creating a back three at times.
This is where he is most at ease and, arguably, where his best qualities shine. Pavard's attacking abilities aren't as strong as his fellow Bayern full-back Davies' due to his background as a centre-back. He has only one Bundesliga assist.
With the addition of Noussair Mazraoui, Pavard will most likely become Bayern's back-up right-back, a situation he will not relish given that it is not even his preferred position.
So, if Manchester United sign him, it could be to replace Maguire rather than Wan-Bissaka.
Pavard to take over for Maguire instead of Wan-Bissaka?
According to FootballTransfers, Maguire is one of the players Manchester United may choose to sell in 2023, implying that Pavard could be viewed as a long-term replacement for the England international.
Furthermore, with Maguire likely to shift to the right after Martinez's arrival, Pavard's role in the team could be naturally replaced if the Frenchman's wish to play center-back is granted.
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