Manchester United Faces Setback as AC Milan Pursues Defender Target

Manchester United's ambitions for the upcoming football season may face significant challenges as reports suggest that AC Milan is actively pursuing Brighton & Hove Albion's left-back, Pervis Estupinan. The Serie A club has reportedly initiated discussions with Brighton to secure the defender, a target for United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, who is keen on strengthening his squad ahead of European competition.

On July 19, 2025, it was reported that Estupinan, who has two years remaining on his contract, is eager to depart Brighton, making him a potential value acquisition for United. However, Fabrizio Romano, a prominent transfer expert, indicated that AC Milan’s interest is serious, with an initial bid of approximately £17.5 million being submitted to Brighton.

The urgency of Manchester United’s transfer strategies has increased after the club reached a preliminary agreement to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for a fee exceeding £70 million. This hefty price tag raises questions about United's ability to pursue additional signings in other positions without financial strain.

While Estupinan's potential arrival could bolster United's left flank, it would likely impede the development of young defender Patrick Dorgu, who joined from Lecce in the previous January transfer window. The 20-year-old is expected to require substantial playing time to fulfill his potential, and the competition from an experienced player like Estupinan could thwart his progress.

Moreover, it's crucial to consider Estupinan's injury history, which includes four muscle injuries and an ankle injury over the past two seasons, causing him to miss 54 matches for both club and country. This concern raises questions about his fitness and ability to contribute reliably to a club with the high expectations of Manchester United.

Analysts suggest that United's focus might be better spent on reinforcing their midfield, where veterans like Casemiro are showing signs of decline. Manuel Ugarte, who has struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford, underscores the need for strategic midfield acquisitions. Alternatively, the club may consider seeking a central striker to complement the attacking options of Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo, though the search for suitable candidates is ongoing following the missed opportunities with players like Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres.

In conclusion, while Manchester United's transfer window is heating up, the pursuit of Pervis Estupinan appears increasingly precarious due to AC Milan's strong interest. United's management will need to carefully navigate this landscape to ensure they build a competitive team capable of challenging for European honors in the 2025 season.