Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal defender Nuno Mendes, as new manager Ruben Amorim looks to implement his preferred style of play at Old Trafford. According to the Daily Mail, United are eyeing a new left-back, with Mendes emerging as a potential target.
Mendes, who made his senior debut under Amorim at Sporting CP in 2020, is seen as a key player in the Portuguese manager’s plans to deploy a 3-4-3 formation. The 21-year-old’s pace and attacking prowess on the flanks have earned him widespread praise, and Amorim is said to be keen on reuniting with his former player.
The move comes as United’s current left-back options, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, face uncertainty. Malacia has yet to convince Amorim of his performance since returning from a lengthy injury, while Shaw’s constant injury struggles have raised concerns about his long-term fitness.
Amorim has already experimented with Shaw in a left centre-back role in training sessions, but the English defender is still not fit enough to take the field in the manager’s debut game against Ipswich Town on Sunday. Mendes, who won the Liga Portugal title under Amorim at Sporting CP before moving to PSG in 2022 for £31.5million, is seen as a potential solution to United’s left-back woes.
However, it remains to be seen whether United will make a move for Mendes in the January transfer window, with the club needing to consider Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and prioritise other positions, such as striker and centre-back, before making a bid for the Portugal international.
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