Manchester United suffered a transfer setback as their approach for Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard rejected the opportunity to make the switch from the Allianz to Old Trafford this summer, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
The defender was thought to be keen on a departure from Bavaria this summer, and Chelsea were one interested party, only for Thomas Tuchel to opt not to pursue a move for the Frenchman in favour of a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly and chasing Wesley Fofana.
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And, as per L’Equipe, they weren’t the only side keen on the defender, with Manchester United also showing an interest. However, it came too late.
“Eager to strengthen a defensive sector targeted as deficient, Manchester United tried to bring in Benjamin Pavard”, they report. However, “the Frenchman decided several weeks ago to stay in Bavaria. The approach of the Mancunians was therefore pushed back.”
It is unclear where Manchester United envisioned Pavard playing, though speculation continuing to surround the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka could well provide the answer, with the Red Devils keen to strengthen at right-back before the end of the window.
With central defence overcrowded following the signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, it seems unlikely that the Red Devils were looking to add another central option, but with Pavard’s skillset he is well suited, and has played very well, on the right side of defence for both club and country.
