Manchester United Tracking Real Valladolid Right-back Ivan Fresneda

Ivan Fresneda, Manchester United, Arsenal

According to latest reports, Manchester United are pursuing a summer move for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda. The Red Devils will face competition from Arsenal, who tried to sign him in January, as well as other big European clubs.

Ivan Fresneda is currently helping Real Valladolid avoid relegation, with the La Liga club in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone. He has played only 10 games in the top-flight till now. Big clubs taking interest in him after just a few appearances say a lot about the potential of the player.

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are actively monitoring Ivan Fresneda, with scouts tracking the Spanish youngster. The club are laying the groundwork and could make a swoop for the 18-year-old full-back in the summer window.

The Red Devils are taking an interest in the right-back amid reports of Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season, despite his resurgence after the World Cup. Earlier in the season, United also planned on letting the English right-back go, but circumstances have changed since then.

Nevertheless, uncertainty looms over the long-term future of the former England Under-21 defender, with clubs like West Ham and AS Roma keen on the player’s services. Thus, the Manchester club could cash in on Wan-Bissaka, valued at £22m and bring in Fresneda who could prove to be a superb investment.

🚨Manchester United, Arsenal,Newcastle and Juventus have an active interest in signing Real Valladolid's Spanish right-back Ivan Fresneda, 18.
🔴#MUFC🔴#AFC⚫#NUFC⚫#ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/BPSaAEfhLD

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) February 15, 2023

The performances of the 18-year-old right-back at Real Valladolid has caught everyone’s eye. The Pucelanos fighting relegation this season but that hasn’t stopped the Spaniard from playing fearlessly. The teenager has not let the fact that he has little experience overcome him. Despite his age, he has displayed great character and physical abilities to challenge in La Liga.

Manchester United have suffered on the right flank for a long time. It looked like AWB was the answer because of his impressive defensive displays under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, that soon changed because of an absolute lack of attacking output from Wan-Bissaka. Diogo Dalot has stepped up well under Erik ten Hag but the Dutch manager needs depth in his squad.

Why Should Manchester United Go After Ivan Fresneda?

Diogo Dalot arrived at Manchester United when he was just 19-years-old. Very few saw him as a significant signing going forward and to be fair, the Portuguese was not highly involved in his early days at Old Trafford. It was Jose Mourinho who saw his potential, which is why he signed the player while he was the manager at United.

Mourinho described Dalot as the “best full-back in Europe in his age group” when he made the signing. Ivan Fresneda also falls in that bracket and it looks like the Spaniard could move to a big club at a pretty early stage of his career. A potential transfer looks imminent to take place in the summer.

Diogo Dalot could stay at United for the long-term, considering his age. Although Wan-Bissaka performed well in the absence of the Portuguese, he is still not what Erik ten Hag wants at right-back. The Dutchman wants players who are fearless and not afraid to go forward, but at the same time, are aware of their defensive responsibilities.

The 18-year-old won’t have to do much further to prove he is fearless. Moreover, the Manchester United manager has now built a reputation for getting the best out of his players and could replicate the same with Ivan Fresneda.

The Red Devils are still competing in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League and it looks like they will not be getting much rest. In such a scenario, possession of 2 capable right-backs in the squad becomes more of a necessity.

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