Tottenham, Spurs, Premier League, Pau Torres
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be looking to add a new centre-back to the Old Trafford ranks this summer.
The lowdown: United’s defensive struggles
This season has been a wholly forgettable one for the Red Devils and much of the hardship has come from an inability to shore up a leaky defence.
So far this term, United have conceded 52 goals in the Premier League, more than every other club in the top nine and more than Liverpool and Manchester City combined.
Therefore, it’s unsurprising the central defensive department has already been earmarked as a position in need of strengthening over the summer…
The latest: Torres could be a target for Ten Hag
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke named one man who is already on the minds of the Old Trafford hierarchy in terms of centre-back reinforcements.
He stated: “I think ideally Ten Hag will be looking maybe at a centre-half; Pau Torres from Villareal has been mentioned. And a defensive central midfielder will be required with Matic leaving and Paul Pogba set to move on as well.”
Torres has previously been linked with a move to Manchester, but it appears that the Red Devils will face serious competition from Manchester City for the capture. As per Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old’s release clause of €55m-€60m (£46.3m-£50.5m) ‘will be valid this summer’.
The verdict: Reinforcements needed
Despite appearing relatively well-stocked at centre-back when Raphael Varane arrived from Real Madrid for £41m (Sky Sports), neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor interim boss Ralf Rangnick have managed to get the best out of the decorated Frenchman in his injury-plagued first season at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old has made 27 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign, whilst Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have achieved a combined 74 outings, highlighting an inability to find a settled partnership at the back.
Meanwhile, Torres has amassed 42 appearances this term for Villarreal, helping to guide the Yellow Submarine to a Champions League semi-final in the process. The 25-year-old has been described as an ‘extraordinary talent’ by former La Liga midfielder Javi Calleja and has so far lived up to expectations.
Pochettino for Rangnick in the summer?
Yes, get it sorted now!
No, look elsewhere!
Boasting a 7.07 Sofascore rating, the Spain international has won four duels, made 3.2 clearances and completed 54.6 accurate passes on average per game. With figures like that, he would make a superb addition to the United ranks in a position where more consistency is certainly needed.
In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here
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