MY ACCOUNT
Manchester United look set for a busy summer in the transfer market — and defensive-minded recruits will be their top priority.
United’s rearguard have conceded 34 goals in 26 Premier League games this season — of sides in the top half of the division, only Southampton have let in more.
Ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid tonight, we consider who they could target to strengthen at the back and in central midfield.
Tino Livramento
Right-back is an area of concern for United, with neither Aaron Wan-Bissaka nor Diogo Dalot impressing.
The pair are particularly lacking in terms of attacking contributions and have failed to register a goal or assist between them in all competitions.
Tino Livramento, on the other hand, has shone in his breakout season — chipping in with a goal and an assist for Southampton this term.
Chelsea are believed to have a buy-back option for the 19-year-old defender but the emergence of Reece James makes such a move less appealing to both parties, creating a window of opportunity for the Red Devils.
Benoit Badiashile
United are also in need of central defensive reinforcements, given Harry Maguire’s recent struggles and the likely departures of squad players Phil Jones and Eric Bailly.
Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile represents an attractive blend of youth and experience, having already played 105 games for the Monegasques despite being just 20.
The left-footed Frenchman is always looking to play forward and could be a natural partner to his right-footed compatriot Raphael Varane at Old Trafford.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Should United prefer to pair Varane with another established centre-back — possibly as a replacement for Maguire — they may look into the possibility of acquiring Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Senegal defender, 30, is out of contract at the end of next season, making him a more financially viable target than in previous windows.
Koulibaly is particularly proficient at bringing the ball out from the back and a player of his quality would undoubtedly improve the Red Devils.
However, should United miss out on Champions League football this season, it may hamper their chances of luring the Africa Cup of Nations winner to Old Trafford.
Declan Rice
United’s interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is well documented.
Their deeper midfield options of Fred, Scott McTominay and an ageing Nemanja Matic are not of the requisite quality for a side with title aspirations — and Rice represents a marked upgrade on all three.
But Hammers boss David Moyes is adamant the East London club will not allow their 23-year-old England star to leave without significant compensation.
He said: “You will need humongous money to get close [to signing Rice].
“I said in the summer that I thought Rice was [worth] £100million. That was your chance to get him cheap. You can make your mind up over what I’m talking about now.
“I feel his commitment. He’s under contract and we’re really pleased to have him. He’s here for certainly a few years.”
Jude Bellingham
The Red Devils were reportedly keen on Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2020.
However, the teenager moved from Birmingham to Borussia Dortmund in that window and has already made 78 first-team appearances for the Bundesliga side at the age of 18.
The midfielder has scored five goals and registered 11 assists across all competitions this season. But he is also capable defensively — a willing presser and diligent at tracking back into his own third.
With Paul Pogba seemingly on his way out of Old Trafford, United may redouble their efforts to secure Bellingham as the Frenchman’s replacement.
