Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard turns down Manchester United approach
Manchester United tried to make a move for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard over the last few days. However, the France international rejected the chance to move to Old Trafford this transfer window, according to L’Equipe (h/t Manchester Evening News).
Pavard wants to play a more central role, something he potentially could have at Old Trafford. However, the 26-year-old is not interested in moving away from the Bundesliga giants with the 2022/23 campaign already underway.
Bayern are not interested in parting ways with their defender either. The Bavarians have played the Frenchman mainly as a right-back since signing him from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2019.
Defending has seemingly been an issue for United in the past. The previous campaign saw the Red Devils concede 57 goals in the Premier League. We had the eighth worst defensive record in the league.
The Manchester-based club, captained by Harry Maguire, finished the 2021/22 season with a goal difference of zero. We ended with our lowest points total in the PL era last campaign.
Erik ten Hag has been given a couple of defensive signings this summer. United signed left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord. The Dutch manager was also reunited with his Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
The pre-season under Ten Hag looked promising, with the side putting in decent performances. However, the start of the new campaign hasn’t been the best for United.
In the season’s opening game, we conceded two goals against Brighton & Hove Albion and lost the game 2-1. The Brentford fixture was worse, with the Bees stinging United with four goals in the opening 35 minutes.
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Pavard is a versatile defender capable of playing at right-back as well as centre-back. The France international would have been a decent option to have in the squad. However, it seems a move isn’t on the cards this transfer window.