Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United are sure to sign centre-backs this term

Manchester United and their defensive vulnerabilities this season have been a hot topic among fans and pundits alike. With injuries playing havoc and key players struggling for consistent form, the need for defensive reinforcements has become increasingly apparent.

Fabrizio Romano recently shed light on United’s intentions to bolster their centre-back options in the upcoming summer transfer window. Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside, Romano highlighted United’s cautious approach last summer, attributing their lack of big-name signings in central defence to the existing depth in the squad.

“Of course they will be signing a new centre-back this summer, as I’ve reported since September 2023, for sure that will be one of their priorities. But in terms of names, the top target will be decided later.”

“The likes of Gleison Bremer, Jean-Clair Todibo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Antonio Silva have been scouted, and it could even be that they’ll make two signings in that position, but it’s too early now to know which specific players they’ll prioritise.”

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans, all of them have been on the sidelines for various parts of the season owing to their respective injury issues.

Injuries Galore

With the recent FA Cup semi-final seeing United relying solely on a fit Harry Maguire, the defensive frailties have surely been laid bare. Martinez’s persistent fitness issues, coupled with the sporadic availability of Lindelof and Varane, have left United’s defensive ranks stretched thin when it mattered most.

Romano’s insights into United’s transfer plans suggest that the club is leaving no stone unturned in their search for defensive reinforcements. Names like Gleison Bremer, Jean-Clair Todibo, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Antonio Silva have all seen themselves scouted, reflecting United’s approach to addressing their defensive shortcomings.

The urgency to strengthen the centre-back position surely cannot go overstated, given the demands of competing on multiple fronts. A robust and reliable defence is the cornerstone of any successful team, and United’s recent struggles have certainly highlighted the importance of having quality and depth in this area.

While defensive reinforcements are undeniably needed, United’s transfer strategy remains further complicated by the uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future as manager. The Dutchman’s tenure has been subject to speculation, and any potential managerial change could influence United’s transfer targets and overall strategy.

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As the saying goes, defence wins championships. United’s quest to strengthen their defensive ranks underscores the importance of getting these decisions right. With the summer transfer window looming large, all eyes will be on Old Trafford and INEOS to see if United can identify and secure the defensive reinforcements needed to bolster their backline and elevate their performance to the next level.