Julian Ryerson: Man United’s plan for Borussia Dortmund star unveiled | OneFootball

Manchester United are planning to strike a deal for Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson before a Premier League rival gets the chance, according to a report from Germany.

Two-way Threat

Ryerson, 28, is enjoying a superb campaign with Die Schwarzgelben, having racked up 15 assists in all competitions as he has helped propel his side to second place in the Bundesliga. Only Bayern Munich wing wizard Michael Olise has assisted more times than the Norway international, while just one other defender – Vladimir Coufal – also features in the top ten for the season.

Dortmund employ a 3-4-3 system, similar in structure to the one Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim unsuccessfully tried to implement at Old Trafford. Ryerson is deployed at right wing-back, free to bomb forward and use his wicked delivery to great effect.

But the 6’0 speedster has also played as a traditional full-back on both sides previously, demonstrating the ability to be a two-sided defender and a dual threat in both boxes. Fussball Daten reveals Dortmund boss Nico Kovac considers Ryerson an “indispensable pillar” in his system, while the fervent fanbase are desperate for him to remain amid growing interest.

The report states this unique profile and imperious form at the Signal Iduna Park have made him “one of the most sought-after players” in Europe ahead of the summer window.

United plot a raid

At the front of this growing queue is United, who are intent on bolstering their backline this summer. They face a red-hot race with rivals Newcastle to strike a deal, however.

The Red Devils are intent on signing a new left-back to provide support to Luke Shaw as Patrick Dorgu‘s reimagining as a left-winger looks set to continue next year. There is also a sense that while the right-hand side of defence is well stocked, neither Diogo Dalot nor Noussair Mazraoui offers enough attacking threat down that flank.

Fussball Daten claims United see the versatile Ryerson as a “key piece of the puzzle” after their scouts delivered glowing reports: “Leaked information suggests that United scouts have awarded him the highest rating (‘A-grade’) for his discipline, crossing ability, and focus. Given his versatility.”

As such, the Red Devils are “expected to make an initial official offer in the summer,” with Dortmund understood to be willing to “open negotiations at a price of €35-40 million” (£30-35m).

But Newcastle are similarly impressed by Ryerson as the Magpies search for a successor to long-term stalwart Kieran Trippier, who will leave St James’ Park at the end of the season. An approach “in the first week of June” is expected for the Dortmund star.

Final Thoughts

Ryerson fits the bill perfectly in terms of a high-energy full-back with the flexibility to fill numerous holes in the squad at Old Trafford. His attacking output is almost unmatched by another defender in Europe, while his attitude and leadership are said to be exemplary.

However, the Norwegian turns 29 in November and plays in a physically demanding position where legs are king and fears of a drop-off must be taken into account. A £30-35m outlay would not drain the budget, but there would be no prospect of resale value while a major pay rise is expected from the existing salary in Germany.

Dortmund will also be hoping a potential bidding war erupts between the two Premier League rivals to further drive up Ryerson’s final fee, though Fussball Daten notes a switch to Manchester is the “most likely” outcome.

Featured image Pau Barrena via Getty Images

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