Three underrated defenders Manchester United should sign in the summer

3. Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães

Nationality: Brazilian

Height: 1.91m

Age: 22

Games played in 19/20 season: 34

Goals scored in 19/20 season: 1

Probably one of the most exciting defenders on the list, the Brazilian Gabriel could be the next big thing to come out of Lille’s distinguished academy.

Gabriel was spotted by Lille playing senior football for his hometown club Avai at just 18 years of age. He dominated the opposition for the Brazilian outfit thanks to his tall physique and spindly long legs which enables him to fly in with some clever last minute challenges.

It took a while for Gabriel to settle in France. The transition to European football was a difficult one for the youngster. He endured unsuccessful spells at Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb where he struggled to fight himself into the reckoning.

Towards the end of last season, Gabriel was given a chance in the first team at Lille and he seized the opportunity showing glimpses of his quality.

It was enough to earn him a regular place in the Lille starting line-up this season and once again the Brazilian centre back has not failed to impress.

Gabriel has put in some impressive performances in the league for the French side and has also shown his class against tough opposition in the Champions League group-stages against the likes of Chelsea, Valencia and Ajax.

Gabriel is comfortable with his feet and able to play long balls forward to set-up counter attacks which would suit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United well. One of his best ability is that he forces opponents to play with their back to goal thanks to his pace and strength and this often thwarts opposition counter attacks.

The Brazilian is a true gem and he would be a great option for Manchester United. He isn’t in high demand which means he’d be relatively cheap too.

Which one of the defenders would you like the Red Devils to sign?