Manchester United: Mauricio Pochettino identifies Fulham’s Calvin Bassey as first defensive target

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 wants to address one of United’s most serious weaknesses by pursuing the Nigeria international.

Bassey, 26, is valued for his physical strength and ability to cope with direct battles. He can also operate at left-back, offering United an alternative in a position affected by Luke Shaw’s injury problems.

His contract situation could make the defender an attractive option. Bassey’s current deal with Fulham expires at the end of the season, although it includes a clause allowing it to be extended by a further 12 months.

That may give Manchester United an opportunity to move for him, although any deal would depend on whether Fulham are willing to part with an important defender midway through the campaign.

United’s defensive problems have become increasingly evident this season. They have conceded 30 goals in all competitions, with only one team in Europe’s top five leagues allowing more.

Pochettino’s first test against Liverpool

Pochettino, 54, is expected to take charge of Manchester United in the coming period, with his first major test set to be the meeting with Liverpool on 22 November, following the international break.

Manchester United dismissed former manager Michael Carrick after a disastrous start to the season. The club recorded only one win in their opening 10 Premier League matches and dropped to 18th, one of the relegation places, with 8 points.

Their difficulties have also extended into the Champions League. United are 17th in the league phase with 6 points after two wins and two defeats.

They began their European campaign with a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan’s Sabah before losing 2-0 to Atletico Madrid. A heavy 4-1 defeat by Como followed, but United responded by beating Roma 3-2 in an entertaining fourth-round fixture.

Despite that win, their position remains precarious. They are only two points clear of 25th place, the final position guaranteeing progression to the next stage.

Manchester United’s demanding schedule continues with a match against Sporting Lisbon on 25 November, followed by fixtures against RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Villarreal.

Pochettino’s task will involve more than changing the team’s style or restoring the players’ confidence. The defensive instability has become the central problem facing the club, and Bassey could become the first signing of an attempted rebuild.