Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'send scouts to watch Benfica defender Antonio Silva'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 September 2023

Man United 'send scouts to watch Antonio Silva'

Manchester United allegedly sent scouts to assess the development of Benfica defender Antonio Silva during the international break.

Manchester United are reportedly still contemplating whether to step up their interest in Benfica defender Antonio Silva.

During the summer transfer window, head coach Erik ten Hag was required to weigh up the possibility of making additions to the centre of his backline.

The future of Harry Maguire was a hot topic for debate, a consequence of the England international dropping down the pecking order, while Jonny Evans was training with the club on a short-term basis.

United ultimately retained the services of Maguire, who effectively remains fourth choice, and Evans has now penned a contract for 2023-24 to provide further backup.

However, that will not stop United eyeing a fresh face for that area of the pitch over the coming transfer windows, providing that they are able to strengthen their position with FFP.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on August 19, 2023 © Reuters

A number of names were linked with a switch to Old Trafford during the summer, including Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.

Nevertheless, as well as those pair, young Benfica centre-back Silva has also been frequently linked with a potential transfer to the Theatre of Dreams at some stage.

According to 90min, United sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old represent Portugal during the international break.

Silva played the full 90 minutes as Portugal recorded a 1-0 victory in Slovakia on September 8, although they would have been left disappointed after he remained as an unused substitute for the 9-0 win over Luxembourg.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez reacts on March 23, 2023 © Reuters

Fresh off making an appearance at the 2022 World Cup, Silva is viewed as one of the first picks in defence of new coach Roberto Martinez.

In three Euro 2024 qualifiers against Luxembourg, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovakia, Portugal are yet to concede a goal when Silva has started.

With Benfica, Silva has already reached 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring a total of five goals and winning the Primeira Liga title last season.

The Portuguese giants will be in no rush to sell, however, with Silva possessing a contract until 2027 and his club having already given the green light to the big-money departures of Enzo Fernandez and Goncalo Ramos during 2023.