Manchester United’s pursuit of Julian Ryerson is under threat as AC Milan consider a move for the Borussia Dortmund full-back, according to the latest report from Germany.
Norwegian Army Knife
Fresh from the best campaign of his career, Ryerson is currently on duty for Norway at the World Cup, having already helped his country make history in North America.
Heading into the tournament, the Vikings, spearheaded by the unstoppable Erling Haaland, had never made it past the round of sixteen. But a famous 2-1 victory over Brazil, in which Ryerson largely locked down Vinicius Jr, has set up a quarter-final clash with England on Saturday night.
Ryerson will start at right-back, as he does for Borussia Dortmund. The “outstanding” 28-year-old is a dual threat, however, notching an impressive 15 assists in the Bundesliga last season. Only Bayern Munich superstar Michael Olise provided more.
The Lyngdal native, who previously played for Union Berlin before moving to the Signal Iduna Park in 2023, is able to play at wing-back as well, or on the opposite flank. He has even filled in at centre-back for Die Schwarzgelben.
With Manchester United on the hunt for reinforcements to bolster Michael Carrick‘s backline, especially at left-back where Luke Shaw needs a capable deputy, a versatile defender with a wealth of experience at the highest level of club and international football is a sensible target.
The Red Devils are understood to have made contact with Ryerson’s agents recently, having previously expressed interest in May. However, the race for his signature this summer will be fierce, with both Milan clubs now having entered the fray, as well as FC Barcelona.
Amorim plots revenge
Fussball Daten reveals AC Milan, who recently appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach, have identified Ryerson as a “serious option to strengthen the left side of their defence.”
The Portuguese tactician was sacked by INEOS in January after a turbulent 14 months at Old Trafford. Manchester United never looked comfortable in his 3-4-2-1 system, nor did he while trying to implement it.
However, the former Sporting CP manager remains steadfastly committed to that formation, with a guarantee the Rossoneri will be lining up with two flying wing-backs next season. A full-back with the attacking threat of Ryerson would be an excellent fit at the San Siro.
Milan’s rivals, Inter, are also monitoring the Dortmund defender closely, with Cristian Chivu having recently lost his rampaging right wing-back – Denzel Dumfries – to Real Madrid.
Furthermore, Fussball Daten claims Barcelona are said to have also made enquiries for the Norwegian, though the Catalan club’s issues with FFP have so far “prevented an official approach.”
The German outlet reiterates United are searching for a “full-back who can adapt to the high physical intensity of the Premier League.” INEOS are “closely monitoring” the situation, with Ryerson’s ability to be “used effectively on both defensive flanks” of particular interest.
Final Thoughts
There would be a certain irony if AC Milan, led by Amorim, were to beat Manchester United to the punch for Ryerson. But the Italian giant did not qualify for the Champions League, nor is Serie A capable of matching the financial offerings of the Premier League.
If it comes down to a straight shoot out between Milan and United, Amorim will need to keep searching for a wing-back to finally demonstrate his system can work outside of Portugal’s capital.
Featured image by Pau Barrena/Getty Images
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