Why Man Utd should prioritise Benjamin Pavard in centre-back pursuit

 

The main talking point ahead of the German Super Cup showdown between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig was Harry Kane. The England captain had completed his record breaking move to the Bavarian powerhouse the morning of the Bundesliga curtain raiser, with the league extending the registration deadline by 24 hours to allow Kane the chance to make his debut at the Allianz Arena. 

 

If there was a script, though, RB Leipzig, and specifically Dani Olmo, didn't read it. The Spaniard bagged a hat-trick as RB Leipzig beat Bayern 3-0. Kane was a second half sub, but didn't have a chance to make an impact having arrived in Munich around 24 hours earlier. A minor sub-plot, however, was Benjamin Pavard's withdrawal at the break. The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this week, yet was a surprise starter against RB Leizpig. 

 

Two goals down and having been booked, Pavard was subbed off and replaced with Noussair Mazraoui for the second half. That could prove to have been his final appearance for the German side. Pavard is unwilling to sign a new deal with Bayern, and with his contract expiring next summer, they are open to selling the France international rather than lose him on a free in 12 months' time. 

 

United are looking to bring in a new centre-back to cover the impending departure of Harry Maguire, and while Jean-Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, it makes sense that the Premier League powerhouse are prioritising Pavard. Given his contract situation, Pavard may be viewed as the more cost-effective option, but even if the France international had plenty of time left on his deal, he'd still be the best choice for Erik ten Hag's side. 

 

"We want, as every game, to dictate, control the game," Ten Hag said back in April and Pavard would enable United to dominate opponents. Indeed, he ranked third for passes per game (74.4) of all defenders in the Bundesliga last season, and fourth overall. If United are looking to control proceedings, then Pavard is one who can help by instigating attacks from defence. In addition, not only did the 27-year-old routinely seek to pick out a teammate, but he was successful in doing so, with a pass success rate of 89.9% the sixth best in Germany's top tier. 

 

 

It's this calmness and distribution that United would look to maximise. With Andre Onana between the sticks, supporters can look forward to a higher possession return considering the Cameroonian's composure and willingness to operate as the 11th outfielder, which means United need the defensive personnel to ensure one of their new goalkeeper's strengths doesn't go to waste. 

 

In this instance, Pavard would be a good fit, not only at centre-back, where he'd have compatriot Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez ahead of him in the pecking order, but at right-back too. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both made in excess if 15 league starts last season, with the former initially first choice before the latter took his chance in the absence of his Portuguese teammate. 

 

A crucial asset of Pavard's is the ability to play at both right-back and centre-back and while he has expressed that the latter role is his natural position, this versatility would be an added bonus for Ten Hag. Factor in his top level experience for both club and country, and it's no surprise that Pavard is viewed as the number one defensive target. 

 

With Champions League football back on the cards at Old Trafford this season, Ten Hag needs players well versed in the demands of playing in Europe's elite club competition, and it's another box that Pavard ticks. United are believed to have seen an opening bid for the defender rebuffed by Bayern, yet it would a shock were they not to return with another offer for Pavard. 

 

United have been smart in the market, strengthening key areas to help launch a sustained title push, and having improved in goal, midfield and up front with the additions of Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, respectively, attention turns to defence. Sign Pavard and it's feasible to suggest that United's squad is complete, and ready to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Why Man Utd should prioritise Benjamin Pavard in centre-back pursuit