Man Utd Add Surprise Premier League Star to Three-Man Winger Shortlist

Manchester United have expanded their search for a natural left winger by placing AFC Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier on a three-man shortlist, according to a Daily Mail report. The 26-year-old’s versatility and direct production have caught the attention of Old Trafford decision-makers as interim boss Michael Carrick confirmed last week that reinforcing the left flank is “quite possible” ahead of next season.

United’s current imbalance is stark. While the right side boasts an abundance of options—Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and even converted full-back Patrick Dorgu—the left has been patched together with central players. Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount have both been deployed wide, yet neither offers the orthodox touch-line width that United regard as central to the club’s attacking identity. Dorgu’s brief success higher up the pitch before injury struck is viewed internally as fortuitous rather than strategic.

Tavernier, valued at £40 million, is now under serious consideration alongside RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. Although Gibbs-White is predominantly a No. 10 and Tavernier himself has spent much of the campaign in central or right-sided roles, United’s recruitment team have been swayed by his head-to-head numbers against them: four goal involvements in two meetings, including a standout performance as a left winger in Bournemouth’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford in December 2023. Across 26 appearances this season Tavernier has contributed 10 goals and assists, a return that has also attracted Aston Villa, who enquired in January.

Bournemouth’s reputation as a willing seller enhances the feasibility of any deal. Despite Tavernier being contracted until 2029, the Cherries have repeatedly monetised talent—Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara and Dominic Solanke have all departed for sizeable fees inside two years—reinvesting proceeds to unearth replacements such as Alex Scott and Junior Kroupi. United will monitor Tavernier until season’s end, with Champions League qualification expected to shape both budget and final target choice.

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