Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a move for Rangers defender Nathan Patterson as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his backline.

What's the story?

According to 90min, the Red Devils are set to target a new right-back over the January window after missing out on Kieran Tripper in the summer, with the Gers' 19-year-old gem identified as an alternative option.

The report states that: "United’s scouts have now been instructed to look at options other than Trippier, should they decide to push ahead and sign a right-back in the winter window.

"Rangers captain James Tavernier was a player considered by United in the summer, but while he remains a possibility, it's another member of Steven Gerrard’s title-winning side that is now of interest - teenage sensation Nathan Patterson."

However, the Old Trafford outfit are not the only interested party in the Scotland international. Fellow Premier League side Everton are also listed as potential suitors, while 90min claim that more than a dozen teams across Europe have shown an interest.

Fans would love him

The right-back position has been a problem area for United for some time now. And while current incumbent Aaron Wan-Bissaka has showcased his top-class defensive qualities on many occasions, he continues to struggles in an attacking sense. For instance, he has only managed 0.2 shots and 0.7 key passes per match in his career so far.

Atletico Madrid's Trippier was targeted in the previous window, but although he expressed his desire to return to English shores, the reigning La Liga champions refused to lower their £34m asking price, meaning a deal could not be concluded.

That led to Diogo Dalot staying put in Manchester after a successful loan spell with AC Milan throughout 2020/21, although a slow start to the season from the Portugal international means he could be allowed to leave if another body is brought in.

And Patterson is one of the stars understood to be high up on Solskjaer's wishlist. The youngster has caught the eye throughout his 20 appearances for the Glasgow giants, with his trademark burst down the flank endearing him to the supporters.

His impressive displays for his boyhood club have already earned him three international caps for Scotland and a standout display against Moldova saw talkSPORT presenter David Tanner laud the full-back for his positive performance.

Tanner wrote on Twitter: “This is why young Nathan Patterson got the nod over Stephen O’Donnell at right back for this particular game. Sensational energy in attack.”

Although he's very inexperienced at senior level, Patterson's attacking ability, energy and ability to improve have the potential to make him a firm fans favourite at Old Trafford, and United supporters would surely love to see him line up at the Theatre of Dreams in the near future.

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