Lionel Messi's ex-teammate in Manchester United's 3-man transfer shortlist to bolster defense: Reports
A former teammate of Lionel Messi, Nuno Mendes, is the latest name to be included in Manchester United's three-man shortlist for a left-back, as per reports. The Red Devils are in the market for a new left-back due to injury problems faced by Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in recent seasons.
Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed via X that Portugal international Mendes has become a target for Ruben Amorim's side, who are keeping a close eye on him. The 22-year-old is contracted to French giants PSG until 2026 and has yet to indicate a willingness to extend his contract beyond then, creating room for a possible transfer.
Manchester United are well-informed of the situation of Mendes, who played alongside Lionel Messi during the Argentine's time at the Parc des Princes. The Red Devils have a direct link to the left-back, seeing as he is under the same management as head coach Ruben Amorim. He also plays alongside club captain Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot for the national team.
Mendes is a well-known player to Amorim, who was his manager during his time at Sporting CP before he moved to PSG in 2021. The pair won the Primeira Liga and the Portuguese League Cup in their time together at the club.
Nuno Mendes has played 98 league games for PSG and is regarded as a top left-back prospect in European football. He was included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, and was Young Player of the Year in the 2022-23 season.
Manchester United have a number of other targets, including Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez, also on their shortlist. The club will try to find an agreement with Davies, whose Bayern Munich contract expires in June, from January 1. They will move for Hernandez or Mendes if they fail to land the Canadian.
Manchester United star and Lionel Messi's teammate wins big at FIFA The Best Awards
Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who plays alongside Lionel Messi for the Argentina national team, was among the big winners at the FIFA The Best Awards in Doha. The 20-year-old forward won the Puskas award for the best goal of 2024 in the gala held in the capital of Qatar.
Garnacho scored a stunning overhead kick for the Red Devils against Everton in the Premier League in November 2023. The goal was voted as the club's best goal of the 2023-24 season and also the best goal in the Premier League in the 2023-24 season.
Alejandro Garnacho has enjoyed a trophy-laden year, winning the FA Cup at the expense of rivals Manchester City in May. He also won the Copa America alongside Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team in July.