Man Utd Shock Football World by Targeting Unexpected Premier League Winger in Transfer Hunt
Manchester United's pursuit of a left-sided winger during the upcoming summer window has reportedly seen Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier emerge as a potential candidate to bolster that area of the field.
While United boast plenty of options for the right wing—including Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and even Patrick Dorgu—they remain short-handed on the left flank.
Dorgu was actually brought in as a defender, having established himself as a left-back at Lecce before his 2025 move, and his success in advanced positions before his current injury setback appears more fortunate than by design.
Matheus Cunha, who is better suited to attacking midfielder or striker duties, has been deployed in that role recently but lacks the natural width that aligns with the club's traditional style. Mason Mount, another naturally central player, has also been used in that position.
During last week's press briefing, interim boss Michael Carrick informed journalists it is "quite possible" that United will pursue a left winger before the new campaign begins.
The Daily Mail reports that Tavernier features on a shortlist of prospective signings along with RB Leipzig youngster Yan Diomande. Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White is also mentioned in the piece, though he operates as an attacking midfielder and has only occasionally featured on the left wing during his career.
Tavernier's Strong Record vs. Man Utd
Tavernier's Strong Record vs. Man Utd
Tavernier has also rarely been deployed on the left this campaign, with his adaptability proving valuable across central midfield, attacking midfield and right-wing positions.
Across his two starting appearances for Bournemouth against United, Tavernier has contributed four goals and assists combined. The first came in a 3–0 Cherries victory in December 2023 while playing as a left winger. The second—last December's thrilling 4–4 stalemate at Old Trafford—saw him positioned in central midfield.
This campaign, the $53.6 million (£40 million)-valued 26-year-old has registered 10 goals and assists across 26 outings in all competitions.
Fellow top-five contenders Aston Villa are reportedly keen as well, even making approaches during the recent January window. Manchester United are anticipated to keep tabs on Tavernier before settling on their preferred option at season's end, with that decision also potentially dependent on securing Champions League football.
Why Bournemouth Could Sanction a Transfer
Why Bournemouth Could Sanction a Transfer
A Bournemouth sale isn't beyond the realm of possibility. While Tavernier remains under contract until 2029, allowing the south coast outfit to demand a substantial fee, the Cherries have consistently profited from selling players they've developed into stars in recent times.
Antoine Semenyo's move to Manchester City represents the most recent case, having penned a deal last summer containing a release clause to enable his future exit, while Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Milos Kerkez (Liverpool), Illia Zabarnyi (Paris Saint-Germain), Dango Ouattara (Brentford) and Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur) have all departed for significant sums over the past two seasons.
Those proceeds have subsequently been reinvested to discover fresh talent. Midfielder Alex Scott and striker Junior Kroupi cost Bournemouth a total of $46.9 million and may be the next players to command much higher fees.