Man Utd plotting transfer bid to sign ‘top player’ loved by Jose Mourinho

Manchester United have been gathering information on Samuel Dahl and are mulling over a transfer bid for the Benfica left-back, according to reports in Portugal.

The Red Devils are expected to prioritise central midfield in 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 both the left and right wings before his progress was curtailed by a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Harry Amass, who is currently on loan at Norwich, and Diego Leon are viewed as potential left-back options for the future at the Theatre of Dreams.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, United have sent scouts to watch more than a dozen Benfica matches at the Estadio da Luz this season, with one ‘clear objective’ in mind: take notes on Dahl.

The report claims the Red Devils are ‘very pleased with the portfolio they have gathered’ on Dahl, a player comfortable operating either as a conventional left-back or as a left wing-back.

The positive feedback sent back to Manchester on Dahl has led key decision-makers within United’s hierarchy to consider testing Benfica’s resolve with an opening offer for the 23-year-old.

Dahl is said to have impressed United with physicality both from an attacking and defensive perspective, as well as his versatility.

The Sweden international is enjoying his first season with Benfica as a permanent squad member having initially joined the club on loan from Roma in February 2025.

In that time, Dahl has racked up a total 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 left out 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 decision after Potter had named his 26-man party.

‘If you want to know why Samuel Dahl wasn’t selected for Sweden, you should ask Potter.

‘He has been fantastic and has shown great progress since I came here.

‘He plays every minute of every 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 if he needs me, I’m always available to provide information about my players.’

Dahl is just one of a long list of left-backs that have been linked with United over recent days and weeks. 

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is said 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.

Another player who has returned to the fore at Old Trafford is Alphonso Davies, who Bayern Munich are reportedly open to selling for the right price due to the Canadian’s persistent injury problems over the last 18 months.

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