Man United have joined the race to sign Bayern Munich star – Report

Credit to TeamTalk for first highlighting Manchester United’s increasing intent to land Dayot Upamecano , with reports suggesting the club are ready to get serious about securing the Frenchman as a potential free agent.

Ruben Amorim has built his Old Trafford reign upon the immovable foundation of his 3-4-2-1 system. Critics have urged tactical flexibility, yet as one insider put it, “he’s not for changing.” United’s manager has rotated personnel rather than principles, using players such as Amad Diallo in unfamiliar roles to maintain structural continuity.

With three centre-backs essential, the club’s recruitment strategy has pivoted firmly towards defensive depth. According to BILD, Manchester United are “showing serious interest” in Dayot Upamecano , whose contract at Bayern Munich remains unresolved despite reports that “an important step forward has already been taken in negotiations, as both sides have now appeared to reach an agreement on the base salary.”

However, the stumbling block lies in the sign-on fee. Talks are still described as “proving difficult,” leaving the door ajar for United, Real Madrid and Liverpool to exploit. TeamTalk note that Bayern’s “partial agreement… may NOT lead to a full breakthrough.” Should the impasse continue, Upamecano would instantly become one of European football’s most sought-after free agents.

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At 26, the France international offers Champions League pedigree and a frontline aggression that suits Amorim’s pressing demands. United currently rely on Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and academy prospects Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson. Luke Shaw has also deputised on the left of the back three.

While that list appears extensive, availability has often proved inconsistent. Martinez has missed large spells across both seasons, Maguire is approaching the end of his contract and De Ligt has endured intermittent fitness concerns. United need robustness, authority and pace in recovery situations. Upamecano offers all three.

Maguire’s future remains pivotal. As TeamTalk remind, his £190,000-per-week salary presents a sticking point. “Man Utd want Maguire to sign a new deal but on one condition, he accepts a pay-cut.” Should the 32-year-old refuse, an exit would all but force United to accelerate their pursuit of Upamecano.

One source close to the dressing room reportedly stated, “Harry is respected for how he carries himself, but Amorim wants athletes first, egos second.” That sentiment may foreshadow a defensive transition. Upamecano would represent a modernising shift, replacing experience with prime-age leadership.

Liverpool’s interest stems from concerns over missing out on Marc Guehi again, while Real Madrid seldom ignore top-level out-of-contract opportunities. Yet United have one bargaining chip the others cannot match: immediate guaranteed starts in a system tailored for defenders who enjoy front-foot duels.

As one unnamed United staff member is believed to have said, “If he comes here, he plays every week. That won’t be promised at Madrid.”

This is exactly the kind of deal the club should be prioritising. Ruben Amorim has earned patience by sticking to his philosophy despite the noise. His football is structured, brave and built around centre-backs who can dominate both aerially and in recovery. Dayot Upamecano is tailor-made for that environment.

There is a growing belief among fans that United are one or two elite defenders away from turning narrow defeats into clean-sheet victories. With Leny Yoro maturing and De Ligt already settled, adding Upamecano would complete an iron-clad back line. It would also allow Martinez to rotate rather than be overexposed, while giving versatility should Amorim occasionally need to pivot to a back four.

Maguire deserves respect for resurrecting his United career, but football is ruthless. If he refuses a reduced deal, supporters will back the manager in moving on. Sentiment does not win titles and Amorim has spoken repeatedly about “building something sustainable, not nostalgic.”

If United can beat Liverpool and Madrid to Upamecano on a free, it would be a genuine power statement. For the first time in years, fans could look at their defence and feel confident rather than anxious. That alone is worth fighting for.