Manchester United have reportedly made Micky van de Ven their leading defensive target as they prepare for a major rebuild at the back.
The Tottenham defender has attracted attention from both Manchester United and Liverpool, despite only signing a new contract with Spurs in August. That deal keeps him in north London until 2031, but it has not stopped interest from elsewhere.
United are expected to make several changes to their defence after reshaping their attack in 2025 and midfield in 2026, as covered in our earlier report as well. At least three new defenders are being targeted for the next phase of the rebuild, with Van de Ven now high on that list.
Van de Ven remains committed to Tottenham for now
The Netherlands international has started the season as a regular centre-back under Roberto De Zerbi after spending much of last season at left-back.
His decision to sign a new deal was influenced by De Zerbi, according to Pete O’Rourke, who explained that the Tottenham manager played an important role in convincing Van de Ven to stay.
“He was considering his future before the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi last March, and obviously De Zerbi played a crucial role in Van de Ven’s decision to extend his stay,” O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast.
Tottenham have struggled for consistency this season, but O’Rourke does not expect that to immediately change Van de Ven’s thinking.
De Zerbi has also shown how important the defender is by handing him the captaincy shortly after his new contract was signed.
An approach could be difficult for Manchester United as Van de Ven is under a long-term deal and Tottenham have little reason to sell. If United do push ahead, they will likely face a significant price and competition from Liverpool.
Michael Carrick will have his United side welcome Tottenham and Micky van de Ven to Old Trafford next.
