Manchester United could be close to signing Thomas Meunier

Manchester United need to sign several difference-makers this summer, and it appears they could be closing in on PSG right back Thomas Meunier.

It isn’t easy to find fullbacks capable of starting on a weekly basis for a top club, but Manchester United appear to be closing in on a deal for that caliber of a player. Per DH.be’s Christophe Franken, United is close to acquiring Thomas Meunier from PSG, with the Parisian club’s asking price set at 25 million euros. That is reportedly not an issue for United, who are willing to spend that modest sum of money on a player who would be a massive upgrade over Ashley Young.

While Meunier isn’t known for his defensive prowess, he’d add plenty to a Manchester United attack that heads into the summer with plenty of question marks, too. With rumors surrounding superstar player Paul Pogba’s future, adding player like Meunier who can support the attack may be even more important, especially if United can offset some of his defensive short-comings by making upgrades at center back.

United already have a strong left back in Luke Shaw, but neither Matteo Darmian nor Ashley Young inspired at the right back position. Meanwhile, Meunier is a quality starter at the position who works tireless to support the attack. A technically gifted player capable of scoring excellent goals from nowhere, Meunier’s crosses will be much better than either Young’s or Darmian’s. That could greatly aid United’s strikers, particularly the strong Romelu Lukaku.

Since Meunier is getting older at 27 and heading into the final year of his deal, he is available as an affordable option for the Red Devils. But Meunier is still an effective player in the prime of his career, and he’s been even better for Belgium than the more crowded PSG. At United, Meunier could shine if given freedom, though his success would hinge on the play of the center backs, which is a position that will also likely undergo change this summer.

United have their work cut out for them, but Meunier would be a smart, safe signing and a clear upgrade at a huge position of need. It will be worth monitoring Meunier closely this transfer window, especially if other clubs looking for a right back, Arsenal have been named as a team interested in Meunier, decide to make a competitive offer to the reported 25 million-euro asking price from PSG.  But if United want Meunier, it looks like he’s their man to lose.