Manchester United are reportedly ready to battle Arsenal and Liverpool for Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey.
The 21-year-old full-back’s performances for both his club and country have caught the attention of the Premier League heavyweights, as well as German champions Bayern Munich. The Scot has made great progress under Brentford boss Thomas Frank after being signed from Serie A side Bologna, where he spent two seasons after deciding to leave Hearts as a teenager.
According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester United are ready to make a bid for Brentford’s Aaron Hickey when the transfer window reopens.
Hickey is a vital member of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad that is almost certain to qualify for next summer’s European Championships. He is even set for a sustained run in the Brentford team in the coming months, after Rico Henry was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.
Thomas Frank will definitely not want to lose Aaron Hickey midway into the season. The report adds Brentford would demand around £50m before they consider opening discussions for the Scottish defender.
Aaron Hickey to Manchester United—Worth the hype?
Despite spending a significant amount of money during the transfer window, Man United have struggled at the start of the season. A myriad of injuries to key first-team players has contributed to their slow start, leaving Erik ten Hag’s men ninth in the standings after six games.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have suffered long-term injuries, meaning Ten Hag has only Diogo Dalot and loanee Sergio Reguilon fit in full-back positions. For a United squad decimated by injuries, especially in the full-back department, Ten Hag would be wise to target reinforcements in January.
Aaron Hickey, in that regard, would be perfect for the Red Devils. A right-back by trade, Hickey’s incredible versatility allows him to operate at left-back, as well as a wing-back on both flanks. The Scotland international plays with a lot of heart, passion and intensity, never shying away from giving his 100 per cent on the pitch. He is a good reader of the game, defensively solid and rarely hesitates from jumping into tackles and challenges.
At 21, Hickey fits the profile as a young, dynamic, energetic and versatile defender who can come in at United and make an immediate impact. Due to his attacking traits and flair, he’d be an upgrade on Wan-Bissaka at right-back whilst being a strong cover for left-backs Shaw and Malacia if Reguilon is not signed permanently from Spurs.
The Scot is still raw in a few aspects of play but can smoothen those edges under Ten Hag at Old Trafford. For now, the Red Devils must continue monitoring Hickey’s development at Brentford and make the call when the transfer window comes around.