Manchester United earmark six-man defensive shortlist ahead of next summer
According to 90min (h/t MEN), Manchester United has created a six-man shortlist to strengthen their defence ahead of next summer.
Despite spending a small fortune on Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Red Devils are yet to form a formidable defensive unit. It would appear that the rearguard rebuild is now set to continue next summer.
The club was keen to do so this summer but was unable to rid themselves of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones.
Bringing in a dependable partner for Maguire remains high on Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s wishlist.
It would appear that the shortlist drawn up has sought a mix of experience and also promise. Villarreal defender Pau Torres is a target following his impressive performances in La Liga.
The 23-year-old is making a name for himself and is now also a part of the Spanish senior side. The same can be said for another player, Dayot Upamecano.
The Frenchman is emerging as a star for club and country and has the potential to be a real powerhouse. United can get another look at him when we travel to Germany to face Leipzig in December.
Old is not gold!
A cost-effective yet experienced option could be Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos. The veteran defender is free to talk to other clubs this January as his contract expires next summer.
While he remains competent, it makes no sense for United to bring in a short-term option who is also volatile.
United are also keeping tabs on Manchester City target Jules Kounde. The Sevilla star was personally called up by Pep Guardiola and has the hallmarks of a potential superstar in the making.
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United are also keeping tabs of options closer to home. Leicester City star Caglar Soyuncu and Brighton youngster Ben White are the other names on our list.
Of all these players, we feel Soyuncu could be an excellent option. The young turk is a dominant, no-nonsense defender who also briefly played with Maguire while at Leicester.
Add to it the potential chemistry and Premier League experience, he could be a better fit than most.
