Manchester United target beats Kylian Mbappe to Ligue 1 player of the season gong

With links to Kylian Mbappe going nowhere for Manchester United, they may be better off rekindling interest in one of his Ligue 1 rivals.

Previous defensive target Kevin Danso has been named the division’s player of the season by experts, beating top scorer Mbappe to the gong.

Renowned Ligue 1 specialists Get French Football News [GFFN] rated the defensive target as stand-out in France this season as he starred in Lens’ unlikely title challenge.

Having only returned to the top flight in 2020, the side from northern France pushed Paris Saint-Germain all the way, finishing just a point behind.

Much of that was down to their stunning defence, anchored by Danso, which conceded 29 goals in 38 games, eight fewer than any other team.

As recently as May it was reported that United sent scouts to watch the Austrian international playing for his club team.

Erik ten Hag seems intent on bringing in a centre back in the summer transfer window after losing faith in Harry Maguire.

Discussing the defender, GFFN said: “[He] influenced more results than anyone else this season. Astute, proactive, physical, mobile and still just 24, Danso is ready for Europe’s elite.”

However, it’s also been reported that Europe’s elite are in fact very interested, with teams from England, Italy and Spain all eyeing the defender.

That means that United may have to act fast, and not get too distracted by Mbappe, despite belief among some that he could make a Premier League switch if their Qatari takeover goes through.