Manchester United identify the perfect Matthijs de Ligt alternative

According to the latest reports, Manchester United are expected to make a move for this much cheaper centre back as an alternative to Matthijs de Ligt.

We all love a bargain. Who doesn’t? Some of the best players were signed under the radar and on the cheap. Manchester United have had plenty of those. Think of the likes of Nemanja Vidic for just £7 million, Eric Cantona for £1.7 million and Edwin van der Sar for £2 million.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer himself was a bargain purchase by Sir Alex Ferguson all the way back in 1996. The Norwegian arrived at the club for just £1.5 million and went onto score one of the most famous goals in United’s history.

Now as a manager, Solskjaer is hoping to score some bargains of his own. With the rebuild process well underway, the Norwegian will need all the reinforcements he can get. And he cannot afford to spent over 60 or 70 million on every one of his arrivals.

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But sometimes, it’s those cheap players who mould you into a manager beloved by the supporters.

Solskjaer spent a short stint as the manager of Cardiff in 2014. It was less than a year. However as the Red Devils’ boss, Solskjaer seems to have turned back to Wales to make his bargain transfers.

Last summer the arrival of Daniel James from Swansea raised eyebrows. However the rapid Welsh winger has done well so far in his short United career.

Now it seems Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to return to Wales again.

According to the Wales Online via TeamTalk, United have entered the race to sign Joe Rodon ahead of the summer transfer window.

Joe Rodon has excelled at Swansea this season and has caught the eye with some impressive performances.

The towering ball playing centre back is still only twenty two years of age and he could form a formidable partnership with United captain, Harry Maguire.

It’s clear the Red Devils are keen to sign a centre back in the summer.

Matthijs de Ligt has also been linked with the club. However Joe Rodon could be a much cheaper alternative.

With the money saved, the Red Devils could address more important areas of the pitch and invest it in a player like Jadon Sancho.

Do you think buying Joe Rodon instead of Matthijs de Ligt would be a smart move?