Man Utd shortlist Rennes star Mahamadou Nagida among left-back targets

Manchester United have shortlisted highly rated Rennes starlet Mahamadou Nagida among their shortlist of left-back targets, according to TEAMtalk.

United were heavily tipped to sign a new left-back last summer, especially after Tyrell Malacia’s departure left them one short of natural left-back options.

They were also linked with several options with Football Talk, citing Ben Jacobs reporting their deadline-day enquiries for Manchester City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Three months into the season, United are already beginning to rue their decision not to strengthen their defence, particularly at left-back.

Carrick have largely preferred playing Patrick Dorgu much higher up the pitch, leaving Luke Shaw as the only natural left-back option in the squad. However, both players have struggled with fitness issues this season.

This has forced the manager to use Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, and even Ayden Heaven, at left-back, but neither has been particularly impressive there, leaving the club to explore natural options in the market.

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Man Utd’s directors Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell are stepping up their efforts to reinforce their squad ahead of the winter transfer window.

‘African Nuno Mendes’

One option the club is considering is Rennes’s highly rated starlet Nagida, according to the report, which claims the Red Devils have shortlisted the left-back as a target after being impressed by his performances.

The report adds that Michael Carrick’s side could recoup two new left-backs across the two transfer windows in 2027 amid uncertainties surrounding Shaw’s future at Old Trafford.

As a result, TEAMtalk reveals that Rennes Nagida has been earmarked as a serious option by the club following a series of scouting reports on the Cameroonian, most recently in Rennes’ last two Europa League games against Juventus and Olympiacos, where United watched him.

Looking at Nagida’s statistics this season, it is clear to see why United are vying for his signature. In the ongoing campaign, the 21-year-old has played all nine opening Ligue 1 games and all four Europa League games.

He averages a sky-high 6.35 duels won and 6.71 recoveries per game in the French league this season. For a fullback, the Cameroonian international is also exceptional and shows high efficiency on the ball, as shown by his 12.71 line-breaking passes per game and an 80.3% success rate, and it’s no surprise he’s dubbed the ‘African Nuno Mendes’.

However, with three years left on his contract at Roazhon Park, a deal will not be easy, as Rennes will be keen to keep him, so United will need to present an attractive offer well above his £8m Transfermarkt valuation.