When Manchester United face Bournemouth on Sunday, they will come up against one of the Premier League’s most promising left-backs, Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian international has impressed since joining the Cherries from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, quickly adapting to the English top flight. Kerkez has caught the attention of several clubs, with both Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested in securing his services.
United’s manager Ruben Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag, has implemented a 3-4-3 formation that was successful during his tenure at Sporting CP. However, he has struggled to find a natural left-wing back due to injuries. Luke Shaw returned briefly but was sidelined again with injury, and Tyrell Malacia, who spent over a year out, is still on a minutes restriction. As a result, United has been linked with potential signings like Antonee Robinson, Alphonso Davies, Theo Hernandez, and Alvaro Carreras. Now, Kerkez has emerged as a target for United, having been one of the standout players in a Bournemouth team that started the weekend in sixth place in the Premier League.
In Amorim’s short time in charge, right-back Diogo Dalot has been forced to play as a left-wing-back, but he is better suited to the right side. Kerkez’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively would make him an ideal fit for United’s needs. The 21-year-old is known for his solid defensive skills, particularly in one-on-one duels, and his ability to go forward when needed. He described his style: “Maybe people see how much I go forward and they forget about my defending but the first thing I’m good at is defending, one v one, in the duels.”
With Kerkez under contract at Bournemouth until 2028, the club is unlikely to part with him easily. Manchester United, however, will need to act quickly if they hope to land the talented defender before other clubs make a move.
