Manchester United enter transfer race for Ivan Fresneda

Manchester United are monitoring the development of Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.

Before the start of the 2022/23 season, Ivan Fresneda, 18, was a relatively unknown prospect across Europe having yet to play a game in La Liga. However, the Spanish Under-19 international has now become sought-after in the continent after establishing himself as a mainstay in the Real Valladolid backline since September.

The teenager has already made seven starts and three substitute appearances in La Liga so far this season. As a result, Fresneda was linked with Arsenal, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund during the January transfer window, but no move materialised. With a contract running until 2025, Fresneda and Valladolid decided he should stay put at the club for the rest of the season.

Nonetheless, Manchester United are the latest club to enter the transfer race for Fresneda. They have been reportedly tracking the Valladolid starlet in recent weeks and are now laying the groundwork for a potential summer swoop.

Erik ten Hag has the decision to make on Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was believed to be in the market for a right-back last summer to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka but was unable to get one. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was out of first-team action for almost the entirety of the first half of the season due to illness and fitness problems, which left Ten Hag to carry on with the only fit right-back in the squad in Diogo Dalot.

Diogo Dalot had established himself as the first-choice right-back this season, but after picking up an injury while representing Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar last year, the door opened for Wan-Bissaka to impress. And Wan-Bissaka has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, clocking seven consecutive league starts post-World Cup, although speculation persists that the Red Devils could eventually cash in on him this summer.

Having watched Wan-Bissaka deputise well at right-back in Dalot’s absence, Ten Hag has a big decision to make on the former Crystal Palace defender’s future.

Man United keeping tabs on Ivan Fresneda’s progress

Wan-Bissaka was subject to interest from Wolves, West Ham and Crystal Palace during the January transfer window, but Ten Hag opted to keep hold of him due to Dalot’s injury and the club’s lack of finances. Should Ten Hag decide to sell Wan-Bissaka in the summer, United may look to sign Ivan Fresneda as an option to replace him.

Fresneda is developing at a rapid rate with Valladolid and has the potential to become a top-class right-back. United will be actively assessing the progression of the Spaniard over the coming months as Valladolid attempt to remain clear of the La Liga relegation zone.

Ten Hag’s Red Devils are well-placed to secure a Champions League berth, and a move to Old Trafford would represent an exciting opportunity for Fresneda to continue his development.