Manchester United thought they had a clear run at Julian Ryerson this summer. Then AC Milan stepped in, and everything got messy.
The Borussia Dortmund defender is having the best year of his career. He’s currently representing Norway at the World Cup, where they just pulled off a stunning 2-1 win over Brazil. Ryerson locked down Vinicius Jr in that game, which is no small thing. Now Norway faces England in the quarterfinals on Saturday night.
Ryerson is a right-back by trade but he can play basically anywhere along the backline. Left-back, wing-back, even center-back when needed. That kind of versatility is exactly what United needs behind Luke Shaw, who has been reliable but could use a proper deputy. Michael Carrick’s backline needs depth, and Ryerson fits the profile.
According to Fussball Daten, United had already made contact with Ryerson’s agents back in May. But now AC Milan is in the mix too. The Rossoneri just hired Ruben Amorim as head coach, and he’s dead set on running his 3-4-2-1 system. That formation needs wing-backs who can get forward and create chances. Ryerson racked up 15 assists in the Bundesliga last season, second only to Bayern’s Michael Olise. So yeah, he’s a natural fit for what Amorim wants to do at the San Siro.
Here’s the ironic part. Amorim was sacked by Manchester United back in January after a rough 14 months at Old Trafford. His system never really clicked there. Now he might beat them to the signing of a player who would work perfectly in that same system. The football gods have a sense of humor.
Milan’s pitch has a problem
AC Milan didn’t qualify for the Champions League this season. That’s a big deal. And Serie A simply cannot match the salaries Premier League clubs throw around. If this becomes a straight bidding war, United wins.
Inter Milan is also watching the situation closely. They just lost Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, so they need a rampaging right wing-back of their own. Meanwhile, Barcelona has made inquiries too, but their Financial Fair Play issues have kept them from making an actual offer, per the same report.
Ryerson turns 29 this year. He’s not a young prospect. He’s a proven, experienced, versatile defender who can step into a high-intensity league immediately. United values that. The club is specifically looking for a full-back who can handle the physical demands of the Premier League, and Ryerson’s ability to play both flanks is a major selling point.
So here’s where things stand. United has the money and the league prestige. Milan has Amorim’s system and a clear need. Ryerson is probably just focused on the World Cup right now, but his phone is going to be busy once Norway’s run ends. Whether that happens Saturday or later, the race for his signature is only going to get louder.
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