Manchester United have stepped up their scouting of Rennes left-back Mahamadou Nagida as they assess reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old Cameroon international has reportedly caught the eye after several scouting missions, with United viewing him as a serious candidate to address their ongoing uncertainty at left-back.
Diogo Dalot has been used on the left in recent matches, underlining the club’s desire to find a more consistent solution in the position.
Manchester United scouting Mahamadou Nagida closely
United are understood to have monitored Nagida for around six weeks, including during Rennes’ Europa League fixtures against Juventus and Olympiacos. Reports suggest the feedback from those assessments has been particularly positive.
Nagida is regarded as a player with the potential to develop into an important member of the squad. His pace, attacking instincts and defensive work rate are believed to have contributed to the interest.
He joined Rennes in 2023 after progressing through Cameroon’s Ecole de Football Brasseries du Cameroun academy and has continued to develop in French football.
United are also considering alternatives, with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, RB Leipzig’s David Raum, Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys and Bournemouth’s Adrian Truffert understood to be among the other defenders on their shortlist.
The club’s defensive recruitment is being reviewed by Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell, with United potentially looking to sign two left-backs over the next two transfer windows. Luke Shaw’s long-term future is also a factor in their planning.
Nagida extended his contract with Rennes until 2029, which could make any negotiations more difficult if United decide to pursue a deal. Nevertheless, his progress and the positive assessments from United’s scouts have placed him among the options being considered.
