Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Leonardo Bonucci, Matteo Darmian Rumours

Leonardo Bonucci is reportedly set to extend his contract with Juventus, ending Jose Mourinho’s hopes of signing the centre-back for Manchester United.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News revealed how cultured defender Bonucci will likely sign the new deal, even though he was on United boss Mourinho’s wish list this summer: “Jose Mourinho had identified Bonucci as the ideal leader to further reinforce United’s spine, but the chances of the 29-year-old moving to Old Trafford were remote, especially after Paul Pogba swapped Turin for Manchester.”

Luckhurst also revealed how United and Mourinho’s failure to sell Argentine Marcos Rojo meant the club couldn’t sign another defender. Mourinho had already spent around £30 million on Villarreal central defender Eric Bailly earlier this summer.

Bailly has already proved to be a superb athlete and rugged presence at the back. Yet there’s no doubt Bonucci’s particular qualities would also have been welcome.

The 29-year-old is a cultured defender who excels in playing out from the back. Bonucci can pick a pass as well as any midfield playmaker.

He’s particularly adept at releasing runners with accurate long balls from deep. It’s a talent ideal for launching the type of quick breaks Mourinho loves.

Perhaps …

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