Man Utd handed boost in Theo Hernandez chase

Cameron Smith

• 2 Dec 2024 05:15 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have been handed an unlikely boost in their pursuit of AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez.

The France international will have one year remaining on his current contract at San Siro when the 2025 summer transfer window opens, and he has recently emerged as a target for Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd.

The Red Devils are eager to sign a new left-back amid Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s recent injury woes, and while Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is their priority target, Hernandez is also being monitored, as per Sky Germany.

READ MORE: Five players who could join Man Utd in January

Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern have all been linked with a move for Hernandez too, although Man Utd are expected to challenge for his signature, despite reports that Amorim is set to operate with a smaller transfer budget than his predecessor Erik ten Hag.

While Milan are keen to tie Hernandez down to a new contract, they are now preparing for life after the Frenchman, according to Fichajes.

The Spanish outlet claim that Milan have identified Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez as a possible replacement for Hernandez in 2025.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim issues Marcus Rashford demand

The 23-year-old has impressed since joining Girona on a permanent deal from Real Madrid in 2022 and FootballTransfers understands that Man Utd were interested in signing the Spaniard during Ten Hag’s time in charge.

However, with Milan eyeing a move for Gutierrez, it suggests that Hernandez is likely to leave San Siro next summer.

Man Utd to sign a new left-back?

In addition to Davies and Hernandez, Man Utd are also interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

Diogo Dalot has featured at left wing-back in both of Man Utd’s Premier League fixtures under new boss Amorim, but the Portuguese tactician recently admitted that his countryman is better on the right flank.

Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford amid his lack of game time under Enzo Maresca, although it remains to be seen if the Blues will sanction a sale to a Premier League rival.