Manchester United ‘make contact’ with potential Harry Maguire partner
By Bence Bocsak
According to the latest reports, Manchester United have made ‘contact’ with a potential partner for Harry Maguire ahead of the summer transfer window.
Sir Alex Ferguson once famously coined the term ‘attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.’ It is an adage that has often ringed true for Manchester United. Especially under the Scotsman’s reign with Ferguson often building stable defensive partnerships such as Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister and Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer witnessed Ferguson’s ardent focus on the defence first hand whilst he served under the Scotsman as a player. Now as a manager he is hoping to repeat the same recipe at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer has shown his emphasis on the defence by splashing out a hefty sum of money for Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The former became the most expensive defender in the world by signing on the dotted line for United.
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The Norwegian’s move has already paid dividends with Maguire taking on the captaincy just six months into his career at United.
Wan-Bissaka has done well too and has earned rave reviews with many tipping the right-back for a place in the England squad.
However it is clear, that whilst Solskjaer has built the foundations of the United defence, he still needs to fill in the gaps.
One role that still needs to be assessed is a partner for Harry Maguire.
This season that role has been filled by Victor Lindelof however the Swedish defender is yet to prove his worth at Old Trafford. The other candidate is Eric Bailly but there are major question marks over the Ivorian’s injury proneness.
And it seems, Solskjaer is trying to fix this uncertainty.
According to French outlet Le10Sport via the Daily Express the Red Devils have contacted French centre back Ibrahima Konate‘s representatives over a potential move to Old Trafford.
Ibrahima Konate has been hugely impressive for RB Leipzig over the last couple of seasons but the 20 year old centre back has missed the vast majority of this season with a torn muscle fibre injury.
The fact that Ibrahima Konate is yet to return from his injury could raise some doubt whether he would be the right arrival at Old Trafford. However, Solskjaer has been impressive with his recruitment so far and he should be trusted to make a move.
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Do you think Ibrahima Konate would be a good signing for United?