Manchester United will be in the market for defenders in January or next summer. It is no secret that we need better centre-backs and an improved right-back.
It has been a dire start to the season in terms of injuries. The defence is has been depleted and Erik ten Hag has had to make changes to his back four on a weekly basis almost.
Raphael Varane may be a Rolls Royce defender, but the Frenchman isn’t getting younger and spends far too much time in the treatment room. Many of the others aren’t good enough for the level we want to reach, although we are all fully aware that squad building takes time and managers usually meet a few bumps along the way.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims United are monitoring at least four different central defenders. The Italian journalist adds that Lisandro Martinez’s recover is a ‘key factor’ for United in their decision to sign a centre-back in January or wait until the summer.
The Argentine defender has not played since United’s defeat to Bayern Munich in September. To make matters worse, Martinez is not expected to return before the New Year.
“The intention of Manchester United is to sign an important centre-back in 2024,” said Romano on his YouTube channel. “Let’s see whether it will be January or the summer window. It also depends on the opportunities and the budget.”
With United suffering with an injury crisis, leaving the defence depleted as a result, it will be interesting to see if Erik ten Hag is backed to make signings in January. A lot will depend on whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe/Ineos can get their foot in the door before Christmas.
Romano went on to name a number of potential targets as Ten Hag looks to find the best fit for his defence.
“But for sure, Goncalo Inacio together with Antonio Silva, (Edmond) Tapsoba and (Jean-Clair) Todibo, for sure, he’s one of the players being monitored by Manchester United,” added Romano.
“So at the moment, it is just about scouting, there is still nothing concrete.”
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