AS Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi has already outlined what qualities he would bring to Manchester United amid ongoing reports connecting him with a summer move to Old Trafford.
United, who will get their pre-season preparations under way in just over three weeks time, have plans to strengthen their defensive options this summer with the addition of a new centre-back. First, though, they need to cut their cloth in that area of the team by offloading one of their current options, most likely Harry Maguire. Maguire is being linked with several Premier League clubs, including both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
If he does leave, United will need to bring in a replacement, but without the guarantee of being able to offer regular football. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have formed the Reds' strongest centre-back paring and manager Erik ten Hag is unlikely to break that up.
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Nevertheless, it would be both wise and sensible to bring in a candidate who has the potential to become a regular starter and perhaps be Varane's long-term successor. At the age of 25, Disasi could be ideal.
The Frenchman, who has made three appearances for his country at senior level, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months, most strongly in the French media. He has made rapid progress at Monaco since joining them from Reims in August 2020.
He has chalked up 129 appearances for the club, chipping in with 12 goals and grabbing four assists. Though his attacking output for a central defender is certainly respectable, it is his defensive capabilities that have reportedly captured United's attention.
And at the time of him joining Monaco three years ago, Disasi detailed his personal strengths, explaining how he is dominant in the air and capable of bringing the ball out from the back, which is something Ten Hag is keen on his defenders doing.
"My size is an advantage, I am comfortable in the air and in my sense of anticipation," Disasi said. "I also try to play the ball out from the back cleanly, to have fun on the pitch and above all to follow the coach's instructions. I'm a player who works for the team and I hope to bring my defensive strength to bear."
In 2022/23 Disasi, who turned 25 in March, averaged 0.8 tackles per 90 and 2.9 clearances per 90 in Ligue 1 alone. He also averaged 50.5 passes per 90 and boasted a pass completion rate of 83.8 per cent.
He made 49 appearances in all competitions for Monaco this season, 38 of which came in Ligue 1, meaning he featured in every league game. He also chipped in with six goals.
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