Who is Manchester United’s defensive target Axel Disasi?

Axel Disasi, Manchester United target (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Axel Disasi, Manchester United target (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Manchester United’s quest to strengthen their defense continues under Erik ten Hag as they set their sights on Axel Disasi

According to recent reports on French sports outlets, Manchester United have registered their interest in securing the services of Axel Disasi. The Old Trafford outfit is set to rival West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign the 24-year-old French international.

The report read:

"Manchester United are eyeing a possible move for Monaco and France centre back Axel Disasi.The 24-year-old, who was part of France’s World Cup squad, has been linked with several Premier League clubs including West Ham and Tottenham.(Via: Daily Mail)"

Who is Axel Disasi?

The 24-year-old French international recently garnered attention after Didier Deschamps decided to bring on the defender as a substitute for the game’s final minute. Before the finals in the quadrennial event, the player featured in the game against Tunisia (90 minutes) and Poland (1 minute).

The versatile central defender began his career with Paris FC Youth Academy before moving to Stade Reims Youth Academy. The player broke into the senior setup in 2017 and made 44 appearances in the French top flight.

In 2020, AS Monaco signed Axel Disasi in a deal worth €13 million. The right-footed central defender has made 78 appearances and has eight goals and three assists to his name.  In the ongoing season, the player has featured in 17 games and averages 2.1 interceptions per 90. Also, he has an average pass completion rate of 85.4% in the league.

Alex Disasi has also featured in the Europa League competition. In 12 games, 4 G/A to his name. In the European competition, the player averages a pass percentage of 85.7% along with 3 interceptions and 0.33 tackles per 90.

(Stats via fbref)

Should Manchester United pursue Axel Disasi?

Manchester United has shown stability in the defense since the arrival of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro. However, the backup options look thin as they have only Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. In the recent games, despite Maguire’s availability, Erik ten Hag decided to field Luke Shaw in the central defense. This is a warning signal for Harry Maguire but the question still arises: Is Axel Disasi the right choice for Manchester United?

At the moment, the Old Trafford outfit needs a left-footed centre back to fill the defense in the absence of Lisandro Martinez. Rather than spending a reported £44 million on a right-footed defender, the club should focus on strikers and left-footed defenders.

Should Manchester United pursue Axel Disasi in the summer transfer window? Have your say below!