Major blow as Manchester United’s ideal Harry Maguire partner signs new deal

Manchester United are eager to bolster their defence this summer.

As Manchester United finish their season on an optimistic note, the preparations for the upcoming campaign is in the process as the Reds seek their way to Premier League’s pinnacle. The defence is identified as an area which needs addressing to solidify the foundations further alongside Harry Maguire.

Despite a robust defensive output in the 2019/20 campaign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eyes another aggressive 1-vs-1 centre-half adjacent to record-signing Harry Maguire. Having high hopes on academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe, persistent injury record has prohibited the English defender to provide competition for Victor Lindelof.

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Solskjaer and his management team understand the need for a defensive reshuffle with several squad members- namely Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, and Phil Jones- not up to the standards needed to keep first-team regulars at their toes.

While monitoring their targets, previously, Dayot Upamecano, RB Leipzig defender, was seen as a perfect addition in the defensive contingent which has lacked an intimidating dimension, thus far. The French centre-back, who had been on the final year of his previous contract, was considered to be an economical option.

Citing this, Arsenal had expressed their interest too, but those links have proven to be futile as Upamecano has signed a two-year extension with RB Leipzig, keeping him in Bundesliga at least till the summer of 2023 with a release clause of 50 million Euros.

However, Manchester United would not consider this a transfer setback, having already made significant ground on other central defensive targets. As of now, Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes and Villareal’s Pau Torres are understood to be on the radar of Red Devils.

Also, Nathan Ake, Man United’s previous target, is set for a move to cross-town rivals Manchester City- who could compete with Reds for the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar.

Do you think Man United will sign a centre-back?