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Manchester United have already wrapped up one deal while another is close to completion but they need a lot more reinforcements considering what had transpired last season.
The main problem? They need to be wary of breaching any Profit and Sustainability rules and will need to balance the books with outgoings to fund further incomings.
Joshua Zirkzee has already been confirmed while Leny Yoro has passed his medical and it is only a matter of time before his arrival is announced.
But following Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala‘s departure and the poor injury record of their current defenders, Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in more than one centre-back.
CB plans
It was always thought that a deal for Matthijs de Ligt was the most straightforward with the Netherlands international agreeing personal terms with the Red Devils while also being super keen to reunite with his former Ajax boss.
The Old Trafford side decided to prioritise the French ace while Bayern Munich’s asking price has meant the move has stalled but Givemesport have claimed that United will revisit the move should they manage to move on either of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof.
“Recruiting a defender has been a priority, and a deal for Bayern Munich’s Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt had progressed well before the subject was put on hold so that Manchester United could concentrate on the Yoro transfer.
“After a late U-turn, it is likely that Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof will now need to leave the club for that to happen, and there does seem a sense that it will become difficult for it to come together quickly.
“But sources are indicating that Ten Hag is very much of the belief that they do need to sign another centre-back.”
The 20-time English league champions are keen to move the Swede on, with his current contract ending in 2025 after the club triggered the one-year extension option. They have no plans to offer him a new deal.
De Ligt’s arrival dependant on outgoings
Maguire is a more complicated case. The England international wants to stay and fight for his place and Ten Hag is more than happy to keep him considering his displays last term when his fellow defenders were mostly sidelined.
United will have to suffer a massive loss on their initial investment and so far, not too many clubs have stepped forward for the former club skipper. Both players have been severely criticised in the past but have managed to stay on.
It seems any further defensive additions will only transpire if certain outgoings occur. That might take some time and that effectively means a deal for De Ligt is likely to be revisited towards the end of the summer window.
There is also United’s interest in Jarrad Branthwaite and Jonathan Tah. The Englishman can play on the left-side, something United are lacking at the moment while the German’s experience would be quite handy. INEOS will have to plan their next moves very carefully.
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