Manchester United are eyeing a partner for Harry Maguire.
After a rollicking start to the league campaign since the lifting of lockdown, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men were grinding their way to garnering crucial points which ensured a second-best league finish in seven years.
Sticking to his core of starting players to see through the demanding catalogue of league fixtures, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer risked his unit being one-dimensional through spells. However, more than redundancy, lack of variety has impeded the Norwegian to tinker with his winning formula.
More from Red Devil Armada
- Aaron Wan Bissaka out for ‘several weeks’ with injury
- Manchester United break an unwanted record after Brighton loss
- Sofyan Amrabat set to miss game against Brighton
- Preview: Manchester United vs Brighton – What you need to know
- Jadon Sancho set to train away from first team squad
Talking about defence, Harry Maguire has had a visible impact in United’s back four by asserting his dominant presence and calm during the buildup phase. However, to make the next step, Red Devils need to add a bit more aggression and a different ball playing dimension in their foundations.
©️ @HarryMaguire93 didn't miss a minute in our 2019/20 #PL campaign 💪#MUFC @ScienceinSport pic.twitter.com/ABBml1Y9Hw
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2020
Recently, United have looked at options to add a left-footed centre-back owning composed ball-playing skills and aggressive in physical duels. Alessio Romagnoli, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Nathan Ake have been identified as the players capable of providing vibrancy to Reds’ current back-four.
But, the aforementioned candidates have a price-tag which United, currently, are reticent to breach as they commit substantial finances for the signing of Jadon Sancho. Planning thrift spending on other positions, Lille OSC’s Gabriel Magalhaes is envisaged as a suitable partner for Harry Maguire.
Crucially, United would have to beat the competition with teams- Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, and Napoli- who maintain their interest in the 22-year-old defender. As things stand, Red Devils have expressed their admiration but Napoli and Everton are ahead of them, as per L’Equipe via Sport Witness.
With English transfer window already in progress, Magalhaes would decide his future this week and pick his next destination, according to Lille OSC President. Reportedly, the French club are expecting around 23 million Euros for their defensive asset.
"“We have other offers for other players but we have not had discussions with their agents. With Gabriel, we are discussing and we have agreed to let him depart. He will choose his next club over the course of this week.” (via GFFN)"
Should Solskjaer misses out on the Ligue 1 star, it won’t be a setback as United have their priorities set on reinforcing the higher areas of the pitch, namely Striker, Wide Forward, and an Attacking Midfielder.
Do you think Man United can challenge for Premier League next season?