Antonio Valencia’s days as a makeshift right back could be over.
So too may Matteo Darmian’s place as first-team regular at Manchester United as it seems as though new manager Jose Mourinho has identified the man he wants to fill the slot on the right side of his defensive unit now that left back Luke Shaw has returned to full fitness.
Right back has been a problem area for United, in truth, ever since the retirement of Gary Neville with Valencia unproven as a defender, Darmian flattering to deceive and Rafael, now plying his trade at Lyon, all failing to pick up where the former captain left off.
Mourinho has cast his eyes to Ligue 1 and Monaco as he aims to solve that troublesome area as, according to Le Parisien, the new United boss is keen on bringing Fabinho to Old Trafford this summer.
The French outlet, as noted by Manchester Evening News, claims that contact between the Red Devils and the Brazilian right back has already been made.
According to the report, the wheels are in motion for Mourinho to make his second defensive signing of the summer after Eric Bailly was brought in last month.
Fabinho, 22, was on loan with Real Madrid Castilla when Mourinho was the manager of its La Liga brother and he even made his debut for the first team under Mourinho, coming on for Fabio Coentrao in a cameo appearance in May, 2013.
He’s since gone on to solidify his place as Monaco’s first-choice right back and is seen as the long-term replacement for Dani Alves with the Brazil national team.
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