With an eye on adding a new left-back this summer, Manchester United has reached out to Nice defender Melvin Bard. The 23-year-old, who currently plays in France for INEOS, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is one of the players the club is pursuing to boost their starting lineup.
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Bard’s Breakthrough: Rising Star on the French Riviera
The left-sided attacker Bard is vying for his first France call-up ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 after excelling in Ligue 1.
After leaving Lyon in 2021 for €3 million, he has not been able to live up to expectations.
Despite having an attack-oriented game, in 138 senior appearances, he has only five career assists and two goals.
In fact, SciSports, a data analytics expert, believes that his season-long performance has been mediocre at best.
Bard has had trouble creating chances in comparison to other Ligue 1 left-backs, which would undoubtedly worry Manchester United. But when he gets into position to make a cutback, he is deadly, and he is very good at interceptions and dribbling.
Image Source: Ligue 1 English
Both teams linked with INEOS may gain from a transfer to Old Trafford. With two years remaining on his contract in the south of France, Bard might transfer to Old Trafford, which would be advantageous for both teams even though negotiations over a new contract are anticipated.
Due to the injury problems that Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have had this season, United, who had been looking into right-back options in January, now feel that adding a left-back is more crucial. Meanwhile, right-sided players Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been playing well lately.
Strategic Moves: Ratcliffe’s Summer Preparations and Director of Football Plans
Ratcliffe is getting a lot closer to his summer preparations. The team plans to appoint Jason Wilcox from Southampton as his deputy after hiring sporting director Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, who is on gardening leave until 2025.
Along with a center-back and a midfielder, United is also interested in signing a forward who can play with Rasmus Hojlund.
Michael Olise of Crystal Palace has been a long term target of United, while defenders Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice and Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton are further back-row alternatives.
Evan Ferguson of Brighton is a possible partner for Hojlund, according to transfer specialist Ben Jacobs.
Challenges Ahead: Reflecting on United’s Recent Performances and Ambitions
Over the previous several seasons, United has spent a significant amount of money on talent, but few of its acquisitions have paid off on the field. As a result, the team is predicted to miss out on the Champions League for the fifth time in the ten seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
While Lisandro Martinez has impressed on the field when he does play, he has struggled with injuries this season. Players like Antony, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, and others have all performed below expectations. Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana have also taken a while to get going.
United has failed to replicate their rather successful third-place Premier League finish from the previous season, and since a Champions League berth is becoming less and less possible, they may struggle to draw in players to Old Trafford.
But, it signifies a new era in the red half of Manchester, with Ratcliffe working behind the scenes and a new director of football on the horizon. Bard might join the team this summer, possibly even as the first signing of the INEOS era.
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