Manchester United send scouts to monitor defender who was asked for a signed shirt of his by Manchester City’s Ruben Dias: Reports
Manchester United sent scouts to watch Benfica's teenage prospect, Antonio Silva, when the Primeira Liga side faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 5. (via Mirror).
The player has been in the news for his performances lately, so much so that compatriot and Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has asked for his signed shirt.
Silva has caught the eye of the Red Devils following an impressive start to the season for the Lisbon side.
He kept the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar relatively quiet in Benfica's 1-1 draw against the Ligue 1 side. Manchester United are on the market for a quality young defender next summer, and could consider the Portuguese
Please add 'He made three clearances, two tackles, won two ground duels, gave six accurate long balls and created one big chance in the match'teenager as an option.
Silva's current deal at the Estadio da Luz runs until 2027, but his contract has a £13 million release clause.
| After the match against PSG, 18-year-old António Silva was asked if he is dreaming of a World Cup place..
💭 | After the match against PSG, 18-year-old António Silva was asked if he is dreaming of a World Cup place..
“I’m only dreaming of playing against Rio Ave in the next match”.
What a talent Benfica have on their hands. https://t.co/0UaVPIPb5O
The Portuguese is expected to become a sensation, with his compatriot and City defender Ruben Dias, even asking for a shirt signed by him.
Silva rose up the youth ranks at the Estadio da Luz, winning the UEFA Youth League with Benfica's youth side earlier this year.
The Portuguese teenager made his senior debut for Benfica in April of this year.
He has made 11 appearances in all competitions and has become a key figure in Roger Schmidt's side's defense.
The state of play for Manchester United's current defenders
With Manchester United keeping tabs on Silva, question marks ensue over the current crop of defenders at Erik ten Hag's disposal.
The Red Devils boss has found a formidable partnership with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez operating in defense. The pair have become the Dutch tactician's first-choice centre-backs.
Both seem a part of a blossoming central defensive partnership and will not leave the club anytime soon.
Meanwhile, speculation has grown over Harry Maguire's situation at Manchester United. The captain has found himself on the substitutes bench lately and has made just five appearances in all competitions. United have lost all the games in which Maguire has started this season.
#MUFC
Erik ten Hag on Harry Maguire: “I’ve to coach him and back him — but I back Maguire because I believe in him”. 🔴 #MUFC
“His quality is really good, you see that from his caps for England. I am sure he can turn it around — really, I am convinced of that”. https://t.co/1HLZjXLf17
Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof's future is uncertain as well as he too has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. The Swede has made three appearances this season, and Galatasaray and Sevilla are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation.
Phil Jones is still awaiting his first appearance of the campaign and is surely creeping towards the exit door with his contract up next summer. Axel Tuanzebe, who is currently injured, is also out of contract next summer and doesn't seem to feature in Ten Hag's plans.