With just over two weeks left to acquire new players, Manchester United is still quite active in the transfer market. A fresh development has come to light about the club’s pursuit of a defensive target.

What recent news regarding transfers at Man United?

Sky Sports News reports that Manchester United is prepared to move quickly to bring in a new defender.

Benjamin Pavard, a centre back for Bayern Munich, is the individual in question. In the event that Harry Maguire leaves before the transfer window closes, a deal might in fact move forward.

According to what Sky Sports’ live transfer centre revealed:

‘United are prepared to speed up negotiations with Bayern Munich for Benjamin Pavard if Maguire does depart. The clubs have made initial contact, but no formal offer has been made as of yet.

It is believed that Pavelard, who is in the final year of his contract with the German champions, wants to go.

The player is pressing for the transfer, according to the Daily Mail, and the Bundesliga’s powerhouses are anticipating at least £26 million in compensation for their player’s departure.

Why is Pavard necessary for Man United?

Erik ten Hag won’t be overly pleased with how his team performed in the Premier League, despite winning their debut match against Wolves at Old Trafford.

According to SofaScore, Gary O’Neill’s team outperformed their opponents on their trip to the North West, outshooting them with more shots on goal (23), shots on target (6), counterattacks (2), duels won (76), dribbles completed (71%), and tackles and interceptions (41).

Although Wolves were unable to score, they had no trouble getting past the Red Devils’ midfield and defence, giving them many more chances to score in front of the Man United home crowd than they should have.

Pavard’s acquisition by Ten Hag, who once praised him as a “team player” by Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, could not have come at a better moment as the Dutch coach will be eager for his club to increase their retention of the ball and defensive dominance.

According to FBref, the World Cup champion Frenchman ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers for tackles, touches, progressive carries, progressive passes, shot-creating actions, and shots on goal per 90-minute player, making him one of the best ball-playing center-backs in the top five European leagues.

The Bundesliga star easily outperformed his position rival in a number of crucial metrics, including pass completion (88.3% vs. 85.1%) and aerial duels won (66% vs. 53.2%), as well as averaging more tackles (2.37 vs. 1.13), interceptions (1.55 vs. 1.13), blocks (1.33 vs. 1.32) and progressive passes (7.48 vs. 3.11) per 90.

Having said that, if Man United and Bayern can come to an agreement this summer, it would be a terrific chance to bolster the backline.

Indeed, based on their match against Wolves, a reliable defender is required, and in Pavard, they may find a true asset to replace Maguire.