- Nuno Mendes has emerged as a potential January transfer target for Man Utd
- The PSG left-back has experience of playing for Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP
- Mendes is not the only left-sided defender to attract interest from United
Manchester United are reportedly interested in Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes as the club search for players to fit Ruben Amorim's new 3-4-3 system.
Amorim began his reign with an underwhelming 1-1 draw away to newly promoted Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon. The right-footed Diogo Dalot lined up as the left wing-back in United's reshuffled formation. While he was positioned further forward in this new-look setup, Dalot has had to become used to playing on his unnatural flank.
First-team left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been riddled with injuries. Shaw's second-half cameo against Ipswich was his first appearance for United since February while Malacia hasn't managed any senior minutes in 18 months.
As Amorim goes in search of an immediate uptick in form, United could be persuaded to dip into the January transfer market, with PSG's Mendes emerging as a prime candidate according to the Daily Mail. Amorim claimed that he would have the "final word" on transfers despite his status as United's 'head coach', rather than the 'manager'.
If the Portuguese boss does get a say, he will likely be full of praise for a player who he worked extensively with at Sporting CP. Mendes established himself as a first-team regular under Amorim, making 35 appearances across all competitions in 2020/21 as the Lisbon outfit won the top-flight title and league cup. After less than 18 months under Amorim's tutelage, Mendes was snapped up by PSG, eventually joining the French giants for £33m.
United's search for a fit left-footed defender doesn't begin and end with Mendes. Reports from last month claimed that United were also interested in Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies. The highly sought-after left-back will be out of contract in June 2025 and is a chief target for Real Madrid this summer.
The Mail also claim that United are keeping tabs on Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, who has been linked with a host of elite Premier League clubs.
Whether United have the necessary funds to finance any January move remains to be seen. After years of extravagant spending under Erik ten Hag, the club may have to act carefully in order to comply with the Premier League's strict financial regulations.
