Manchester United might be about to solve two problems with one signing. And yes, that’s rare for them lately.
The club has zeroed in on Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams as a target for the right back spot, according to multiple reports. The Welsh international can also play on the left, which is exactly what United needs behind an often-injured Luke Shaw. But here’s where it gets interesting: bringing Williams in could mean the end for Noussair Mazraoui, who only arrived last summer.
Mazraoui, 27, has connections to new AC Milan boss Ruben Amorim from their time together at Sporting CP. Italian outlet Sport Mediaset says Milan have already opened talks with the Moroccan’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta. If personal terms get sorted, Milan plans to make a formal offer to United.
The logic is straightforward. United sees Williams, 25, as someone who can push Diogo Dalot for starting minutes at right back while also serving as backup on the left. That kind of utility makes Mazraoui somewhat redundant, especially since United wants to free up wages and roster space for other moves. A source close to the talks told TEAMtalk that Williams would actually prefer Old Trafford over Newcastle, who also want him. The Liverpool academy product has no problem joining United’s ranks, despite his history with the Merseyside club.
Tottenham has poked around too, but they’re not as serious as United or Newcastle at this point.
Milan’s interest in Mazraoui isn’t just about Amorim’s comfort zone. The Rossoneri like that he can play full back on either side, slot into central defense, or even operate as a defensive midfielder if needed. Right now Milan needs a left-sided defender, partly because Aston Villa is in advanced talks to sign Pervis Estupinan from Brighton for about $23 million. That deal would clear a path for Mazraoui to start on the left for Milan.
The ripple effects at Old Trafford
Mazraoui wouldn’t be the first United player linked with following Amorim to Italy. Joshua Zirkzee has popped up on Milan’s radar and other Serie A clubs are watching him. Mason Mount was also connected to a San Siro move earlier this summer, but United sources shut those rumors down fast, insisting Mount remains part of Michael Carrick’s plans.
For now, United’s priority is getting Williams in the building. The club’s interest was first reported by BBC Sport on July 10, and things have moved quickly since. If a deal gets done, it’s likely to trigger Mazraoui’s exit in the same window.
Not a bad bit of business if they can pull it off. United upgrades depth at two positions without spending on two separate transfers. And Milan gets a familiar face for a coach still settling into a new league.
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