Manchester United have been gathering information on Samuel Dahl and are mulling over a transfer bid for the Benfica left-back, in keeping with reports in Portugal.
The Red Devils are expected to prioritise central midfield within the upcoming transfer window having strengthened their attack with the addition of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko for a combined fee of around £200million last summer.
But left-back has also been identified as an area requiring special attention, with Old Trafford bosses already working behind the scenes with a view to bringing in greater support and competition for Luke Shaw.
Patrick Dorgu had initially been signed as a left-back but looked a player reborn this season in a more advanced position on each the left and right wings before his progress was curtailed by a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Harry Amass, who’s currently on loan at Norwich, and Diego Leon are viewed as potential left-back options for the long run on the Theatre of Dreams.
In accordance with Portuguese newspaper Record, United have sent scouts to observe greater than a dozen Benfica matches on the Estadio da Luz this season, with one ‘clear objective’ in mind: take notes on Dahl.
The report claims the Red Devils are ‘very happy with the portfolio they’ve gathered’ on Dahl, a player comfortable operating either as a traditional left-back or as a left wing-back.
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The positive feedback sent back to Manchester on Dahl has led key decision-makers inside United’s hierarchy to think about testing Benfica’s resolve with a gap offer for the 23-year-old.
Dahl is claimed to have impressed United with physicality each from an attacking and defensive perspective, in addition to his versatility.
The Sweden international is having fun with his first season with Benfica as a everlasting squad member having initially joined the club on loan from Roma in February 2025.
In that point, Dahl has racked up a complete of 68 appearances in all competitions for the Primeira Liga outfit, establishing himself as a guaranteed starter under Jose Mourinho.
His current contract in Lisbon runs through to June 2029.
Despite his consistent run of form for Benfica, Dahl was neglected of Graham Potter’s squad for Sweden’s recent wins over Ukraine and Poland to qualify for the World Cup.
‘I’m never surprised by decisions made by my fellow coaches because I respect them,’ Benfica boss Mourinho said of the choice after Potter had named his 26-man party.
‘If you should know why Samuel Dahl wasn’t chosen for Sweden, it is best to ask Potter.
‘He has been implausible and has shown great progress since I got here here.
‘He plays every minute of each game. He’s very reliable defensively and consistent in attack. A top player.’
Asked if had had talked to Potter about Dahl’s omission, Mourinho replied: ‘No, I haven’t spoken with Potter.
‘But when he needs me, I’m all the time available to offer details about my players.’
Dahl is just one among a protracted list of left-backs which have been linked with United over recent days and weeks.
Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is claimed to be firmly on United’s radar, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is reportedly being monitored by the Red Devils after dropping down the pecking order at Arsenal.
The Red Devils are have also identified Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson as cheaper alternatives for next season.
One other player who has returned to the fore at Old Trafford is Alphonso Davies, who Bayern Munich are reportedly open to selling for the best price on account of the Canadian’s persistent injury problems over the past 18 months.
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