Manchester United target offered to Premier League rivals as Red Devils continue to stall: Reports

Manchester United target and former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso has reportedly been offered to two Premier League clubs.

Hermoso, 29, is currently a free agent after departing Los Rojiblancos at the end of his contract earlier in June. He made 174 appearances across competitions for the La Liga outfit between 2019 and 2024, bagging 10 goals and registering six assists in the process.

Now, according to Italian website AreaNapoli.it, Hermoso's camp have reached out to Aston Villa and West Ham United in the recent past. Hermoso was offered to the Red Devils earlier this month, but Erik ten Hag's outfit are still unsure about signing the Spaniard on a free.

Hermoso, who helped Atletico Madrid lift the La Liga title in 2021, could prove to be a great signing for both Aston Villa and West Ham. Unai Emery's side are aiming to sign the left-footed star as they could offload Diego Carlos to Fulham. On the other hand, the Hammers are looking for an apt successor to Shabab Al-Ahli-bound Kurt Zouma.

Should Hermoso secure a Bosman move to Manchester United, he would emerge as a rotational option for them. He would provide competition to Lisandro Martinez and play as a left-back if needed.

Erik ten Hag backs superstar to shine after Manchester United's recent Wembley loss

Earlier on Saturday, Manchester United crashed to a 7-6 defeat on penalties in the FA Community Shield match against Manchester City. Alejandro Garnacho scored in the 82nd minute before Bernardo Silva restored parity in the 89th minute to force the tie into penalties.

After the end of the game at Wembley Stadium, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag claimed that he has faith in Marcus Rashford despite the player's poor finishing on Saturday. He said (h/t ESPN):

"I think he was several times in very good positions. I'm very pleased he is getting in those positions. Keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals. He's experienced enough to deal with this and once he scores one, then the goals will come."

Rashford, who missed two big chances at Wembley, endured a poor campaign last time around. The 26-year-old netted just eight goals and provided five assists in 43 games across competitions for his club.

Overall, the right-footed versatile forward has recorded 131 goals and 66 assists in 402 matches in all competitions for Manchester United.

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