Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly made it clear to the hierarchy that he wants a new left-back.
The position has been a problem for the Red Devils, with Luke Shaw constantly battling injuries. Before he came on from the bench against Ipswich Town, his last appearance for the Premier League giants was earlier this year in February.
His back-up, Tyrell Malacia, had been out for over 18 months with an injury, leaving the club light at left-back. It did not help that they inexplicably sold Alvaro Fernandez Carreras to Benfica.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have shared the position, but the club needs a specialist. Not long after the news broke, United were linked with a host of them, including AC Milan star Theo Hernandez and in our view, the Reds should be pursuing the France international.
After a torrid time at Real Madrid, Hernandez was handpicked by arguably the best left-back of all time, Paolo Maldini, to join Milan. The decision has paid off massive dividends.
In Milan, the 27-year-old has grown from a devil-may-care marauding full-back into a complete defender and leader of men.
His first season showed glimpses of his ability, but the defensive lapses were plenty. He promised the fans he’d improve on them, and he did. The former Madrid man has since developed into the best in the world in his position.
Hernandez, valued at €60 million by Transfermarkt, shares a solid relationship with Rafael Leao on the left flank and is happy to cover for the Portuguese winger. This season, he has won 80% of his aerial and 61% of his ground duels while keeping three clean sheets. He has been dribbled past 0.3 times per game, which is incredibly sound for a full-back, considering he is always up against wingers.
Offensively, he is one of the best. He is in the 96th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.65 per 90) across Europe’s top five leagues. The 27-year-old records 5.32 (87th percentile) progressive passes and 3.40 (93rd) progressive carries per game.
Hernandez can also fill in as a centre-back. He is impressive in the air and loves a challenge. With only a year left on his deal, United can snap him up for a sensible deal rather than wasting time on Alphonso Davies, who seems set on a move to Madrid.
