Manchester United’s Defensive Overhaul: Pursuing Three Centre-Backs

Manchester United are actively pursuing three centre-back targets as they prepare for the upcoming season. This defensive overhaul is part of the broader changes at the club, including the imminent signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, marking the first acquisition of the INEOS era.

Centre-Back Targets

1. Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich)

• Background: De Ligt played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, where they won the Eredivisie in 2019.
• Current Status: Positive talks have been held with Bayern Munich, and De Ligt, 24, is keen to reunite with his former manager at Old Trafford.
• Career: De Ligt has spent the last two seasons at Bayern Munich, making 73 appearances and scoring five goals. Prior to that, he was with Juventus.

1. Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)

• Current Status: United have had two bids rejected by Everton, the latest being around £45m plus £5m in add-ons.
• Career: Branthwaite played 35 times for Everton in the Premier League last season but was not included in England’s Euro 2024 preliminary squad.

1. Leny Yoro (Lille)

• Current Status: United have met Lille’s asking price of £42m (€50m). Despite Yoro’s preference for Real Madrid, Lille favor United’s offer.
• Career: Yoro, 18, emerged from Lille’s youth system and made his first-team debut in May 2022. He played 44 times last season, helping Lille secure fourth place in Ligue 1.

Potential Departures and Implications

• Raphael Varane: United need a replacement for Varane, who left the club after his contract expired.
• Victor Lindelof: Currently in the final year of his contract, with no talks planned for an extension.
• Jonny Evans: Discussions are ongoing regarding a new one-year deal.
• Casemiro: Strong interest from Saudi Arabian clubs could influence United’s midfield plans. Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte is being considered as a potential replacement.

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Manchester United’s pursuit of centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Leny Yoro highlights their commitment to strengthening their defense. Successfully signing one or more of these players will depend on the resolution of current player contracts and potential departures. The outcome of these transfer negotiations will significantly shape United’s defensive lineup for the upcoming season.