Sassuolo centre-back scouted by Manchester United

Manchester United’s focus may currently be on maintaining momentum on the pitch, but behind the scenes attention is already turning toward longer-term squad planning – particularly in defence.

With contract situations evolving and key decisions looming ahead of the summer – including Harry Maguire, who admitted in October that it could be his last season at the club – Manchester United’s recruitment staff have continued their work across Europe.

Recent scouting activity has once again taken them to the Italian Serie A, a league the club has repeatedly drawn from in recent years.

According to The Sun, United scouts have been in attendance at recent Sassuolo fixtures, monitoring the progress of centre-back Tarik Muharemovic.

The 22-year-old has quietly established himself as a regular in the Italian side’s back line, drawing interest from several clubs beyond England.

The Bosnian international fits a familiar profile Manchester United have targeted before: physically strong, comfortable in possession and capable of operating on the left side of central defence.

His development over the past season has been closely followed, particularly over a string of composed performances against top-flight opposition.

United’s interest comes at a time when the club are assessing their defensive options more broadly.

With senior figures entering the final stages of their contracts and younger academy defenders being evaluated and loaned out such as with Harry Amass, who joined Norwich City for the rest of the season, and potentially Rhys Bennett, who is likely to join Fleetwood Town, recruitment plans are being shaped alongside internal solutions.

Sassuolo are understood to rate the defender highly following his permanent move last summer, and any potential deal would require significant investment.

Interest from elsewhere in Europe means the Red Devils are unlikely to have a clear run should they decide to accelerate their pursuit.

For now, this remains a scouting operation rather than an active negotiation.

But as United continue to lay the groundwork for the next transfer window, Muharemovic is emerging as one of several defensive names under consideration as part of a wider rebuild.