Manchester United are reportedly looking to step up their interest in SL Benfica star Ruben Dias after having the Portuguese scouted recently.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are planning long-term and have begun their search for defensive additions in the summer transfer window. SL Benfica star Ruben Dias is the freshest name on their radar, with the Red Devils sending scouts to watch the player.
The report entails that Manchester United sent scouts to Croatia to watch the player in action in the UEFA Europa League, where SL Benfica were up against Dinamo Zagreb and ended up losing 1-0. Dias, who has been the SL Benfica captain this season, was the one who was responsible for the penalty that gave Zagreb the advantage but has otherwise been solid.
Named Primeira Liga’s Young Player of the Season last campaign, Ruben Dias is one of the latest in a long line of wondrous talents coming out of Portugal. The 21-year-old already has seven senior caps for Portugal and more importantly, has emerged as a real leader figure, which is rare in players of his age.
One of his strengths is that, like all modern defenders, he is technically adept on the ball with a good range of passing in his locker and the vision to go along with it. Dias is also useful in set-pieces and has a knack of being in the right position at the right time. Manchester United have taken note of the youngster’s emergence and are considering him as a candidate to reinforce their defence.
United currently have one of the two central defensive positions locked in the form of Victor Lindelof, who has really come into his own under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly are among the other options but none of them have proven to be long-term reliable options.
A centre-back is certainly a priority and United would love to add a long-term profile, with the 21-year-old’s leadership qualities a massive bonus.
Dias is not the only SL Benfica player United are interested in. Fellow youngster Joao Felix is also being tipped to be one of the hottest properties come summer and Manchester United, according to earlier reports, are plotting a double swoop for the £150 million rated duo.
It will be interesting to see if Solskjaer indeed instructs the board to go for a younger option alongside Lindelof, rather than the likes of Milan Skriniar, Kalidou Koulibaly or even Raphael Varane, who were linked with Manchester United over the course of the season.
Ruben Dias though, looks set for a brilliant career, with or without a move in the summer of 2019.
