Only one player, Mason Mount from Chelsea, has been acquired by Manchester United during the summer transfer window, which is less activity than many fans would have liked.

Andre Onana, who will take over as Old Trafford’s starting custodian, does appear to be on his way to the club. Perhaps Erik ten Hag is simply conducting business strategically rather than making ad hoc acquisitions.

One of his top goals must undoubtedly be strengthening the defence, and after removing Harry Maguire as captain recently while West Ham United expressed interest, he may be leaving the team soon.

Additionally, Ten Hag might part ways with Victor Lindelof this summer, particularly in light of recent reports from Sky Germany writer Florian Plettenberg that United may be interested in Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.

What will Benjamin Pavard set Manchester United back financially?

According to FootballTransfers, Bayern may let the Frenchman to leave this summer for under €30 million (£26 million), and should Ten Hag decide to make a move, this might prove to be a wise investment.

However, there will be fierce rivalry for the World Cup champion from Manchester City and Juventus, and this trade fight may go for several more weeks.

What may Benjamin Pavard be able to provide Manchester United?

First and foremost, the 27-year-old might provide some defensive versatility because, in addition to playing right back, which is his preferred position, he is also more than capable of playing centre back, as he has lately done for the Bundesliga’s top teams.

Second, he might provide an improvement over Lindelof for United, and with Champions League football returning to Old Trafford for the first time since 2022–2022, some quality improvement is essential.

In fact, over the past 365 days, Pavard made more tackles per 90 (2.44 to 1.48), progressive passes (7.59 to 3.43), and progressive carries (1.31 to 0.52) than the current United defence.

Even though he played predominantly at a position that isn’t his strongest, Pavard still outperformed the Swede, who didn’t rank in the top 40% for any of the measurements. These statistics even placed Pavard in the top 6%, top 1%, and top 9% throughout Europe’s top five leagues, respectively.

While the entire United defence scored just four goals between them, the former Stuttgart defender even presented an unusual goal threat, scoring seven goals across all competitions, including twice in the Champions League. This might make Ten Hag a serious threat from the back next season.

Given how effective he has been over the past 12 months, Thomas Tuchel even praised him as “underrated,” but perhaps more praise is due.

Given the imminent departure of Maguire and how much of an improvement he is over Lindelof, Ten Hag would probably put him into centre back, but if the opportunity presented itself at right-back, there is no question he would shine just as brightly there.