Man Utd Eyes Mourinho's Star! Transfer Bid Incoming for Benfica's Dahl

According to reports from Portugal, Manchester United has intensified its interest in Samuel Dahl, the young left-back currently playing for Benfica. The 'Red Devils' have been gathering information about the player and are rumored to be seriously considering submitting a formal offer for his services. Dahl's potential arrival could be a solution to strengthen the English team's defense, which is looking for alternatives and competition for Luke Shaw.

Although Manchester United is expected to prioritize central midfield in the upcoming transfer window, after having strengthened their attack with the additions of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko for a combined fee of around £200 million last summer, the left-back position has also been identified as an area requiring special attention. Old Trafford executives are already working behind the scenes with the aim of providing greater support and competition for Luke Shaw.

The report from the Portuguese newspaper Record indicates that United has sent scouts to watch more than a dozen Benfica matches at the Estadio da Luz this season, with a 'clear objective' in mind: to take notes on Dahl. The 'Red Devils' are very pleased with the report they have compiled on Dahl, a player who feels comfortable operating both as a conventional left-back and as a left wing-back.

This season, Dahl has been watched by United on more than a dozen occasions. The Swede has built a strong relationship with Benfica coach Mourinho. The positive feedback sent to Manchester about Dahl has led key decision-makers within the United hierarchy to consider testing Benfica's resolve with an initial offer for the 23-year-old.

Dahl is enjoying his first season with Benfica as a permanent squad member, after initially joining the club on loan from Roma in February 2025. In that time, Dahl has accumulated a total of 68 appearances in all competitions with the Primeira Liga team, establishing himself as an undisputed starter under José Mourinho.

Despite his consistent form with Benfica, Dahl was left out of Graham Potter's squad for Sweden's recent matches against Ukraine and Poland to qualify for the World Cup. 'I am never surprised by the decisions made by my fellow coaches because I respect them,' said Benfica coach Mourinho about the decision after Potter named his 26-man squad.

'If you want to know why Samuel Dahl was not selected for Sweden, you should ask Potter. He has been fantastic and has shown great progress since I arrived here. He plays every minute of every game. He is very reliable in defense and consistent in attack. A top player.'

Asked about whether he had spoken with Potter about Dahl's omission, Mourinho replied: 'No, I have not spoken with Potter. But if he needs me, I am always available to provide information about my players.' Dahl has more than three years remaining on his contract with Benfica.

Dahl is just one of several left-backs who have been linked with United in recent days and weeks. Newcastle's Lewis Hall is said to be firmly on United's radar, while Myles Lewis-Skelly is being monitored by the 'Red Devils' after losing prominence at Arsenal.

The 'Red Devils' have also identified Crystal Palace's Tyrick Mitchell and Fulham's Antonee Robinson as cheaper alternatives for next season. Another player who has returned to the fore at Old Trafford is Alphonso Davies, whom Bayern Munich would reportedly be willing to sell for the right price due to the Canadian's persistent injury problems over the last 18 months.