The Red Devils are once again looking for new centre-back options in the market. United were linked to several defenders like OG Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, and Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard in the summer transfer window but ended up signing neither.
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The injury crisis at Manchester United has worsened even further, with Lisandro Martinez and Sergio Reguilon set for time on the sidelines. The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia are already unavailable due to injuries.
There have been concerns about Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire’s fitness recently, but they are available for selection for now. Raphael Varane made his first start since going off injured against Nottingham Forest in August vs Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Harry Maguire returned to the starting lineup alongside Varane after a short spell on the sidelines.
These injuries, however, stretches the Manchester United defence very thin and has quickened the process to sign a new centre-back.
United are trying to sell Harry Maguire to make place for A new centre-back in January
Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard joined Inter Milan in the summer transfer window and Edmond Tapsoba has signed a contract extension to stay at Bayer Leverkusen till 2028. This has propelled Jean-Claire Todibo to the top of the list for Manchester United.
Another target that is being monitored by the club is Benfica’s Antonio Silva. The young 19-year-old has been on many clubs’ radars after he started impressing at Benfica last season, and he has continued to do so this season, playing alongside Nicolas Otamendi.
Even though Jean-Claire Todibo is United’s priority target for January, Antonio Silva is another prospect they can pursue.
The chance to sign a new centre-back in January may only partially be in the hands of Manchester United. Manchester United has been trying to sell Harry Maguire, with him being linked to a couple of clubs like West Ham United, but were unsuccessful in doing so in the Summer Transfer Window.
If Harry Maguire is sold, the club could go after another centre-back in the January transfer window. If his sale is further delayed, United may have to wait till the summer window to sign a new centre-back.