Recent speculation regarding Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal and if he will still be in charge at Old Trafford next season has been buzzing around The Transfer Tavern.
One thing that is still certain is whoever is in charge next season, the summer recruitment will be critical if United are to mount a serious challenge on the Premier League title.
One area of concern for our resident Manchester United fans is still the shaky looking defence at the Theatre of Dreams. A strong back line is what the legendary figure of Sir Alex Ferguson built his dominant teams of past glory upon but the defence looks to be massively underwhelming since those days.
With the exception of Luke Shaw, who is currently out injured, the defenders at Manchester United this season have been suspect at times and not the solid base to build attacking football from.
Here is a list of FIVE defenders our resident United fans gave our Transfer Tavern landlord that Manchester United should sign in the summer.
Hit the image below to see FIVE defender United must try to sign!
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John Terry
If Man United are smart they would do everything they could to try and convince the Chelsea captain to move to Old Trafford, even if it is for just one season.
His experience alone would be great to bring along the young defenders at United and bringing that win at all costs mentality that is missing from the Manchester United dressing room would also be beneficial.
One season with Terry in their side could be enough to put that solid foundation to mount a real challenge on the title next season, whilst bringing on a young understudy to replace him the year after could ensure long-term stability.
John Stones
The Everton young starlet is still learning his defensive trade but is undoubtedly one of the most talented defenders to appear for England in a long time.
He can play as a right back as well as a centre back, so a bit more versatility to get the side through a long Premier League season could be ideal.
Stones would be a great building block at United and he’s already a great player, who United could have in their side for many years.
Cesar Azpilicueta
One of the best right backs around current plays as a left back for Stamford Bridge at Chelsea, to accommodate an out of form and overrated right back Ivanovic.
The 26-year-old international has been played out of position all season and may well welcome a move to a side full of history and prestige.
While also switching to a position where he became the most sought after full back in Europe, Azpilicueta would provide great competition for Matteo Darmian.
Ben Chilwell
If United are wanting to get back to their traditions of bringing in young talented players, then Ben Chilwell must surely fit the bill.
Chilwell has three appearances for the Foxes this season as they have taken the Premier League by storm, although the youngster is yet to feature in the league.
He has been out on-loan to Huddersfield and has impressed Manager Claudio Ranieri enough to play him in Leicester’s recent FA Cup matches.
Virgil Van Dijk
The Dutch defender moved from north of the border to Southampton this summer for £11.5million from Scottish Champions Celtic.
Our landlord was surprised none of the so called bigger clubs made a move for the exceptional centre back, who has played 38 games this season for the Saints.
Van Dijk has great aerial presence and reads the game well, whilst also remaining calm under pressure.
The Saints’ 24-year-old defender would be an astute acquisition for Manchester united.
