Man United Eye Roma’s Wesley Franca
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for AS Roma right-back Wesley Franca as they look to reinforce both flanks of their defence.
Why United Want Wesley
Theatre of Red reports that the Brazilian has emerged on the club’s recruitment radar. His attacking output and athletic profile are thought to suit the approach Michael Carrick wants to implement at Old Trafford.
The interest comes while United’s back line is under scrutiny, having shipped eight goals across their opening five Premier League fixtures. Lewis Hall remains a monitored option on the left, but attention has turned to the opposite side too.
Wesley’s Serie A Impact
Wesley joined Roma from Flamengo in July 2025 in a deal worth around €25 million and adapted quickly to Italian football. His numbers last term were impressive, sitting in at least the 85th percentile for expected assists, completed crosses and progressive carries.
Rather than tucking inside as an inverted full-back, he prefers to hug the touchline and attack the space. Overlapping runs, pace and stamina make him a classic attacking wing-back. He also played a key part in Roma finishing third and remains important under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Price Could Be the Sticking Point
Wesley penned a five-year contract in the Italian capital, so Roma are under no pressure to sell cheaply. Having paid €25 million, they would reportedly demand a considerably higher sum, potentially double that figure or more.
Our Take: A Different Kind of Full-Back
In our view, Wesley offers something unusual in the modern game. Plenty of sides now push defenders into central areas, yet a player who stretches the pitch from wide positions still carries real value, especially if Carrick wants his wingers to drift infield.
Balance is the obvious worry. An attack-minded full-back leaves space behind when possession is lost, and United can ill afford further defensive fragility. His engine may help offset that, though.
For a club searching for a clearer attacking identity, the logic is easy to follow. The fee, however, would demand careful thought.
