Pochettino’s Manchester United rebuild puts Fulham’s Bassey in defensive plans

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to make strengthening Manchester United’s defence his first priority, with Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey emerging as a leading target for the January transfer window.

Sky Sports, citing The Telegraph, reports that the Argentina manager is considering a move for the 26-year-old Nigeria international as he prepares to take charge of a side whose defensive problems have become one of the defining issues of the season.

Bassey is viewed as a player capable of improving Manchester United in more than one position. His physical strength and ability to compete in one-on-one situations make him an option at centre-back, while he can also operate at left-back.

That versatility could prove particularly valuable given United’s difficulties on the left side of defence and the injuries suffered by Luke Shaw. Bassey’s ability to provide cover in several positions is therefore understood to be an important part of his appeal to the club’s incoming coaching staff.

His contract situation may also make the Fulham defender an attainable target. Bassey’s current deal ends at the conclusion of this season, although Fulham have an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Manchester United could use that position to pursue a deal, although any negotiations would depend on whether Fulham are willing to release one of their important defensive players during the middle of the campaign.

The interest comes as United’s defensive record highlights the scale of the task facing Pochettino. The club have conceded 30 goals in all competitions this season, and only one team in Europe’s five major leagues has allowed more.

Liverpool provides first major test

Pochettino, 54, is expected to begin his Manchester United tenure against Liverpool on 22 November, after the international break. The fixture will provide an early test of his ability to stabilise a team that has made a disastrous start to the campaign.

Manchester United dismissed previous manager Michael Carrick after the club won only one of their first 10 Premier League matches. That run left them 18th in the table, inside the relegation places, with eight points.

Their problems have extended into the Champions League, where they are 17th in the league phase with six points from two wins and two defeats.

United opened their European campaign with a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan’s Sabah before losing 2-0 to Atletico Madrid. They then suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat by Como, but recovered with a 3-2 win against Roma in the fourth round.

Despite that victory, United remain only two points above 25th place, which is the final position guaranteeing progression to the next stage.

Their next Champions League fixtures include a match against Sporting Lisbon on 25 November, followed by games against RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Villarreal.

For Pochettino, rebuilding confidence and establishing a new playing style will be important, but resolving Manchester United’s defensive weakness is likely to be the immediate priority. Bassey could become the first step in that process.