United Eye Dortmund Wing-Back Ryerson as Mazraoui Insurance

Manchester United are casting their net towards Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson should circumstances force them to move on from Noussair Mazraoui, according to reports from Sky Germany.

The 28-year-old Moroccan has endured a torrid campaign at Old Trafford, hampered by persistent injuries and a sharp decline in the pecking order under Michael Carrick. Mazraoui has found himself warming the bench on four separate occasions in the Premier League since Carrick's arrival, with Diogo Dalot now the clear first choice at right-back. The Portuguese defender remains firmly in the manager's plans despite overtures from Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid.

This shift in dynamics has opened the door for Mazraoui's potential exit, and United appear to be preparing contingencies. Enter Ryerson, a Norwegian international who's been operating as a wing-back for the Bundesliga outfit and has produced eye-catching attacking numbers in the process.

The 28-year-old has registered 15 assists across 31 Bundesliga appearances this season, part of an 18-assist haul across all competitions. Such productivity from a fullback role clearly appeals to United's recruitment team, who have now added him to their monitoring list.

Dortmund value their man highly but are not entirely resistant to a summer sale, with reports suggesting a price tag somewhere north of €30m. Sky Germany's Patrick Berger revealed that Ryerson sits on United's backup right-back shortlist as contingency planning continues.

However, the Daily Mail has poured some water on the notion that this represents imminent business, suggesting such talk remains premature at this juncture. That assessment came before Sky Germany's reporting, though both outlets acknowledge the connection exists.

United's summer planning extends well beyond fullback recruitment. The club is operating under a transfer budget of approximately £150m, with midfield reinforcement a priority. Bruno Fernandes features among their targets, whilst Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Carlos Baleba represent the upper echelon of their midfield wishlist.

Portugal's decision to omit Fernandes from their World Cup squad is understood to potentially ease any negotiating pathway for United. The club also retain interest in Atalanta's Ederson, though his name carries rather less momentum in the pursuit stakes.