Manchester United plot £42 million move for Premier League defender - Reports 

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a £42 million move for Aston Villa defender Pau Torres. As claimed by Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, the Red Devils have identified the Spain international as a candidate to bolster their leaky defense.

Manchester United have endured a poor start to the 2024-25 season, putting Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford up in the air. The Red Devils have lost three of their six league games while winning two and drawing one.

Ahead of their away trip against sixth-placed Aston Villa on Sunday, October 6, Ten Hag's side find themselves 14th in the table with just seven points. They have scored just five goals while conceding eight in the Premier League this season.

Fichajes claims Manchester United are looking to strengthen their backline as they eye a move for Pau Torres. The Spaniard has been excellent for Aston Villa following his reported £31.5 million switch from Villarreal in 2023.

The left-footed defender has demonstrated his all-round ability during his time at Aston Villa. At 6 feet 3 inches, he naturally excels in the air and is pretty comfortable on the ball as well.

Torres has made 47 appearances across competitions for Aston Villa while earning 24 caps for Spain. He won the UEFA Europa League with Villarreal in 2020-21 and was part of the Spain squad that finished runners-up in the UEFA Nations League 2020-21.

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Manchester United legend opens up on the club appointing Bruno Fernandes as captain

Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel claimed that appointing Bruno Fernandes as captain has negatively impacted the player. The Portugal international was named the Red Devils' skipper ahead of the 2023-24 season, replacing Harry Maguire.

Fernandes was a shining light for the 20-time English champions after his switch from Sporting CP in January 2020. However, his form has seen a wane since being named the captain.

Iconic former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel opened up on Fernandes' struggles of late, insisting that the 30-year-old does not fit Erik ten Hag's system. He also highlighted that the added burden of captaincy has impacted his natural game.

The Dane told A Bola:

"I think that is very unfair to Bruno. They removed Harry Maguire as captain and forced Bruno to have it. He didn't want it. Being captain of Manchester United is a big responsibility and there is a lot of focus on you. I think he wanted to focus on his game. I'm not saying he is having problems being captain, but I think it took something away from him, at the beginning."

"Bruno is one of the best players I have ever seen. What he can do, how he can assist, how he can score goals, he really is a super player. The problem he has, the problem Manchester United has with Bruno is that he doesn't have a position. He is not a number six, he is more of a number eight or ten. And the system is not designed for him. And sometimes, because of the way he is, he tries to get into areas where he shouldn't because that's his natural reaction," Schmeichel added.

The five-time Premier League winner concluded:

"He wants to be in space to have the ball and people criticise him for that. I think that's unfair because I think that's his strength. There's a system and there's someone who can break out of it and surprise the opposition. But, I mean, Manchester United without Bruno... I don't see it."

Bruno Fernandes has seen a red card in his last two games across competitions for Manchester United. He has provided four assists in 10 games across competitions this season and is yet to score.