Who is Melvin Bard? Man Utd target has potential to become a KEY player at Old Trafford

Robin Bairner

3 Apr 2024 12:29 BST
15 min read

Melvin Bard, Nice, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United are targeting a summer transfer for Nice defender Melvin Bard, according to reports.

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The Standard reports that contact has already been made between Man Utd and the Ligue 1 side, which is also owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Although a deal should be straightforward to broker, Nice have previously indicated that they will not do the Red Devils any favours in the transfer market over Jean-Clair Todibo.

Man Utd Transfer News LIVE: Bard WANTED, €100 million midfield TARGET, Greenwood BOMB

Man Utd are ready to broker a deal as there are ongoing concerns over the future of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, both of who have struggled with injury problems this term. Malacia, in particular, has barely featured.

But who is Bard and what qualities would he bring to Man Utd?

What position does Melvin Bard play?

Melvin Bard is a left-back. He typically plays in an attacking manner and is best seen as an inverted wing-back. This means that he performs chance-creating actions from wide but also makes underlapping runs.

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How good is Melvin Bard?

Bard has caught the eye for Nice this season and is fighting for a place in the France squad for Euro 2024. It is likely that this will be beyond him, however.

He has struggled to reach his undoubted potential after making a move from Lyon for €3 million in 2021. He joined Nice as a player earmarked for greatness but has struggled to reach that standard.

Although an attack-minded player, he has only five career assists and two goals in 138 senior appearances.

Indeed, data analytic experts SciSports rate his performance this season as no better than decent.

Compared to other Ligue 1 left-backs, Bard has struggled in terms of his chance creation, which would surely be a concern for Man Utd. However, he has been dangerous when in position to make cutbacks and has excelled in terms of his ability to supress both dribbles and shots.

Bard vs Ligue 1 left-backs

Unlike Man Utd’s current left-backs Shaw and Malacia, Bard has proven himself to be durable, barely missing any matches over the last couple of seasons because of injury issues.

His Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €14.2 million, which is down from its peak of €19.9m around a year ago.

SciSports reports that he would be initially a rotation player for Man Utd but has the potential to become a key player at Old Trafford. Given his current price point, he could well be seen as a gamble worth taking in case.