West Ham are plotting a move for Manchester United defender Di’Shon Bernard after he impressed on loan at Hull.
The 21-year-old Londoner, who joined United’s youth set-up in 2017 after leaving Chelsea, has been the subject of regular checks by Hammers scouts. And boss David Moyes, a big admirer of the player, sees the potential in Bernard to come in and provide competition at the heart of his defence.
Bernard, who is contracted with United until 2026, is highly regarded at Old Trafford but well down the pecking order and West Ham believe they can offer him a quicker pathway to the Premier League than United.
Last season Bernard was on loan at Salford City where he impressed club's co-owner Gary Neville, who expressed a desire for a permanent switch for the youngster at the time. Speaking on an episode of Sky Sports' Class of '92 documentary Neville said: “Di’Shon Bernard has done really well since he’s gone in at centre back. On the front foot, steps in front, pushes up a little bit, makes us more aggressive. I’d like to sign him full-time but I don’t know if United would let him go.
“He’s the type of player we need. Young, hungry, wants to develop a career for himself. Players who can pass like he can, run like he can, got the physicality that he has, the talent, the ability to read the game – he’s a really good player."
Another United defender out on loan, Ethan Laird, has been urged to keep posing a threat for promotion-chasing Bournemouth after an impressive full debut. Wing-back Laird, 20, joined the second-placed Cherries in January but has managed just three appearances — two from the bench — since, with his first start coming in the goalless draw with Middlesbrough on Friday.
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Bournemouth boss Scott Parker said: “He did very well, I was very impressed with him. Over the last three or four weeks, it feels like he’s come out of the other side of where he was, with the injury and not being up to speed and not doing enough work with us. I decided to go with Ethan on Friday — I thought he defended very well and, attacking-wise, he gives us a real threat so I’m pleased for him.”
Meanwhile, United goalkeeper David De Gea claimed their 3-2 win over Norwich "was very stressful" as he hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's enduring brilliance. De Gea told United's website: “We were 2-0 up against Norwich so we cannot lose the control of the game. But we started giving chances away and they scored at the end of the first half, which is always tough. We need to control more of the game and especially at home against Norwich Until the last second it was very stressful. But it was a great game, we fought to the end, it's good experience for the team.
"They were three great goals from Cristiano. It is unbelievable, his career is there, it's crazy, he's still making hat-tricks, scoring goals, helping the team. He's a legend and one of the best players in history. It's great when he's scoring goals, it's great for the team and it's great for everyone.
"We kept trying until the end with the fans, who were once again amazing, and then a great goal by Cristiano from the free-kick. It's a massive three points, we are still there, fighting for the top four, but for sure we need to keep improving because it's not enough if we keep playing like this."
