As per the report in Portuguese outlet A Bola, Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Sporting CP left-back Nuno Mendes in this summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2020-21 season with the Lions, helping the club to lift their 19th Primeira Liga title. Following an excellent season with the Portuguese champions, the youngster was rewarded with a call up to the Portugal national squad for the Euro 2020.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bought Alex Telles last October to deputise Luke Shaw. And that was a great decision from the Norwegian manager. As the Englishman has had an astonishing season for the Red Devils.
However, the Brazilian left-back didn’t have a great time in his debut season. And he failed to break into the starting eleven. The left-back had a great opportunity this season to impress Solskjaer during these pre-season friendlies and find his place in the starting Xi. But he picked up an injury in training which will keep him out of action until September.
Will Manchester United sign Nuno Mendes?
According to the report in A Bola, following the injury to Telles, Manchester United only have Luke Shaw at their disposal and could go for a new left-back this summer. The Red Devils have been monitoring Mendes’ development for quite some time. And the Brazilian’s injury has given them an opportunity to sign the youngster.
However, Solskjaer’s side will have to face fierce competition from the city rival Manchester City to sign the 19-year-old. The Citizens have already submitted a bid for the youngster. The offer has been turned down by the Portuguese champions as that offer did not match their asking price.
Manchester United do not need Mendes at this moment, despite the injury to Telles. After landing Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, the Red Devils will have to sign a new specialist defensive midfielder to bridge the gap at the top of the Premier League with Manchester City.
Telles will be out until September. After he returns from his injury, the Red Devils will be stacked on that position if they sign another left-back. And it will be hard for Solskjaer to provide game time to all of them. So, it will be a shrewd decision from the Manchester United board to give up the interest on Mendes. And sign a new midfielder before the start of the new season.
