From Italy: Utd plot move for Serie A stalwart loved by Cannavaro, there’s a ‘significant chance’ he leaves

With Manchester United again forced to navigate yet another injury setback to Luke Shaw, transfer chiefs have seemingly conceded that he’ll need to be replaced at the end of the season –  despite being tied to the club until 2027.

As such, reports – one being from Corriere dello Sport (via Cult of Calcio) – claim that the Red Devils have begun plotting a potential swoop for AC Milan’s vice-captain Theo Hernandez. 

The 27-year-old boasts a plethora of advantageous experience at this stage of his career, having represented Real Madrid and the France national team, as well as his current, successful Milan tenure. He has garnered 173 Serie A appearances since joining the Italian giants in July 2019, scoring 29 goals and assisting a further 26 from the left-hand side of defence.

Hernandez’s five goals and six assists in Milan’s Scudetto-winning campaign in 2021/2022 marked the most of any defender that season. He made 32 appearances before being crowned a Serie A champion while playing an integral role in a backline that conceded only 31 goals, the least of any side in the division. Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro previously heaped praise on the fullback, claiming: “Players like him don’t exist.”

There’s a ‘significant chance’ Hernandez leaves Milan ahead of 2026 contract expiry

Alas, United appear to be on the hunt for a player who can slot straight into Shaw’s position and recreate his impact in both defence and further up the pitch. Tyrell Malacia is only just finding his feet after returning from a season-long layoff, though whether or not he has the ability to fulfil the role on a long-term basis remains to be seen.

La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Luca Bianchin has provided some insight into Hernandez’s current situation at the San Siro, suggesting he may be on his way out in the near future due to his recent struggles under Paulo Fonseca.

“There could certainly be something tactical. With Fonseca, he doesn’t get forward as much to maintain a certain balance in the team, but I think more than anything that he doesn’t feel comfortable in this Milan,” he began, as cited by SempreMilan. 

“His reference people have always been Brahim Diaz, Paolo Maldini and Samu Castillejo, and now none of the three are there anymore. It’s clear that he has to reinvent himself, and I’m not sure he’ll do it.

“And I’ll say something strong: [Matteo] Gabbia as captain could be a solution because I think there’s a significant chance that next year at Milan, there won’t be the captain and vice-captain from this season.”