Challenging Pep Guardiola’s Man City is going to be a tough ask for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.
There is absolutely no doubt that the Red Devils need to strengthen at the back. Whilst United were never truly leaky at the back, it always looked like the Old Trafford outfit were capable of leaking goals. Swedish international Victor Lindelof failed to impress last season, and never looked like he was quite the quality needed for a top Premier League defender.
Defence is such a key area of the modern game. Many clubs are now placing ever more importance on wing-backs, and the value of centre-backs is ever increasing. In January, Liverpool shelled out £75m for Virgil Van Dijk. Modern era defenders are not the one-trick ponies of the past. Technical ability, composure and ability to play out from the back are prized assets of a modern day defender.
Reports have linked the Red Devils with a move for World Cup star and Leicester City star Harry Maguire. However, Leicester seem very keen to keep hold of the composed defender. However, if United are not going to splash the cash on Maguire, they should still strengthen with these two additions…
The 6ft 5 centre-back is valued at £ by Transfermarkt. He would be a great addition at Old Trafford, and well and truly command the area with his presence.
He has been one of Napoli’s key players for many seasons now. His frame means he is a real threat from set pieces, and scored the goal last season which beat Champions Juventus in Turin. Not since the days of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have Manchester United had a true warrior like Koulibaly at the back.
Due to his connection with new Chelsea manager Sarri, reports have linked him with a move to Stamford Bridge. United should swoop for him, before another club land the big defender.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Inter Milan player Ivan Perisic, but Milan Skriniar is another Inter player they must look at. The defender is another Serie A defender, who stands out in a defensive-minded league.
The Slovakian international is a ball-playing defender who has impressed in Serie A at just 23 years of age, meaning he is not yet at his peak. If he does improve further, United would regret not bringing the player to Old Trafford.
He is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt. Quality like Skriniar does not come cheap.
