Manchester United are reportedly monitoring AC Milan full-back Davide Calabria as they evaluate their options to replace Antonio Valencia.
The Ecuadorian had been United’s prime option at right-back up until this season when it became even more clear he was losing his legs, therefore, unable to play at the highest level anymore.
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Valencia has also had problems with fitness keeping him out of action. He is currently in Ecuador recovering from injury, but hopefully we see him play for United again before he leaves on a free transfer at the end of the season.
United rejected the chance to trigger a one-year extension to Valencia’s deal, so the writing has been on the wall for a while.
One player that could make a move to Old Trafford to succeed the former Wigan Atletic winger is Milan’s Calabria, who has impressed in Serie A this season. The 22-year-old came through the club’s academy and has represented Italy a youth levels.
Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan side are fighting for Champions League qualification this season and Calabria has played a key role in that, making 26 appearances for the Italian giants across all competitions.
According to the Daily Mirror, United are eyeing a potential transfer swoop for Calabria this summer.
Diogo Dalot was brought in last summer with the view of being Valencia’s understudy for a season. While he’s done well when called upon and looks like an exciting prospect for the future, the Reds need a safer option at right-back than Ashley Young next season if they’re to challenge for the Premier League title.
I don’t watch Milan each week to know if Calabria is ready for a big move to United, but the scouts at the club must be impressed by what they’ve seen of the young Italian.
I have huge respect for Davide Calabria but honestly ngl I prefer Conti, the man is in a different class.
Calabria is a really solid option too, and he’s got a strong bid to be starting right back. However Conti is a little more insicive and provides a better cross.
— Joe Milanista (@themilanisti11) March 8, 2019
Moreover, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played Dalot in midfield in recent weeks, so maybe long-term he will be playing further forward than at full-back, allowing room for a signing like Calabria?
