Latest developments
- Manchester United's search for a left-back now includes Theo Hernandez.
- The Milan man will have 18 months left on his contract come January.
- Hernandez already has four goal involvements this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Respected source in Europe
Man Utd have made no secret of the fact they want to strengthen at left-back in the January transfer window, and Theo Hernandez of Milan is the latest player in that position to be linked to Old Trafford.
Hernandez's name was mentioned on X by Florian Plettenberg. It seems unclear where the German got his information from, but he is one of the most respected journalists in the transfer sphere, so can be trusted.
Value (3.5/5): High valuation for his position
Fans of Hernandez have been surprised that one of the very richest clubs have not come in for him already, given his consistency for Milan and France.
One reason for that is not many clubs want to pay €60 million or more for a full-back, especially one who recently turned 27, but if United can get him for close to valuation, they could have one of the best left-backs in the world at their disposal for the next few years without breaking the bank.
Suitability (3.5/5): Can go forward and tuck in
Under Paulo Fonseca, Milan operate a back four as part of a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, which does not match with Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3.
But Hernandez does have a modicum of experience at left-midfield and centre-back, which suggest he could adapt to Amorim's system, where his work rate and willingness to get forward will be a huge benefit.
Upgrade? (5/5): A problem area for United
This is not the first time at Football Whispers where we have compared a left-back to the Red Devils current options Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, both of whom are injured and/or going AWOL, and this is not the first time that the linked player is a clear upgrade.
Logic (2/5): Hernandez is settled
Well on his way to 250 appearances for the Rossoneri, Hernandez is settled in Milan, and with more than a year to run on his deal, he is not in too much of a hurry to secure his future.
Is another rebuilding project at United, in a country he has never played in, without UEFA Champions League football for the time being, going to be enough to tempt him away?
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
Another left-back who is clearly better than what United already have, but Hernandez will see the Red Devils as a huge risk, especially given that he will have to operate in a whole new system.
