Pranav Nair
Manchester United prepare four-man shortlist in search for Harry Maguire partner
According to the Express, Manchester United have shortlisted four defenders in their pursuit of a partner for defender Harry Maguire.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to strengthen his team and has identified the heart of his defence as one such key area.
The Red Devils brought Maguire to Old Trafford in the summer for a world-record fee. Swedish international Victor Lindelof has been his preferred partner for the majority of the season. Despite him showing an upturn in form, his performances have been far from satisfactory.
The club will have to bring in a better player to partner Maguire as we aim to push for the Premier League title. Having used two-right footed players so far, the Red Devils are keen to bring in a left-footed centre-back.
According to the report, the club have identified four players to play as the left-sided centre-back. They are Bournemouth ace Nathan Ake, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and AC Milan star Alessio Romagnoli.
Solskjaer appeared to tap-up Ake following the 5-2 win against Bournemouth at Old Trafford. However, he laughed it off while talking to the press later rather than give an explanation as to what he was up to.
Similar to Ake, Mings too has been at the forefront of his side’s fight against relegation. The Villans are currently above Watford on goal difference and can ensure safety if they match both Watford and Bournemouth’s results tonight.
Romagnoli is a proven player who could be on the move. With AC Milan missing out on Champions League qualification, United could swoop in for the Italian.
United are not yet assured of qualification. But we can do so tonight if we avoid defeat to Leicester City.
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The biggest name on United’s shortlist is Koulibaly, although he is a right-footed player who plays as a left-sided central defender. The Senegalese star is among the best in the world in his position.
However, he will not come cheap. It remains to be seen who United go for.
