It’s no secret that Manchester United’s transfer model under Ed Woodward’s been a failure.

Despite making some high-profile signings of world-class stars, he’s had too many flops on his watch. Rather than improving areas United really needed quality, he’s bought unnecessary players like Alexis Sanchez to invite controversy and make the whole thing seem like much more of a mess.

Woodward is again up to no good and according to reports (according to the Daily Mail), he’s deprioritized the need for a world-class centre-back. Allegedly, he’s been impressed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defensive overhaul which has seen the Red Devils keep five clean-sheets in their last 13 Premier League games.

Great. But that really isn't long-term thinking.

Yes, Solskjaer has improved their defence by strides. Chris Smalling is performing consistently without errors, Victor Lindelof looks a leader, while Phil Jones and Eric Bailly have also contributed. However, if their back-to-back loss against quality attacking oppositions proved anything, United require a proper defensive general.

They’ve been linked to big names for the same, but all would cost United quite a lot of money. It seems like the former banker is making a business decision, as he allegedly won’t spend much money on recruiting a centre-back.

Instead, Woodward will relay that money towards signing a right-back and a centre midfielder. While those areas also need improvement, it’s absolutely vital for the Red Devils to sign a world-class defender to make their defensive core impenetrable.

Unless and until the Manchester United executive vice-chairman can do that, a bitter déjà vu might occur to doom Solskjaer’s rumoured extended reign.

United fans, would you prefer a right-back ahead of a world-class centre-back signing? Join the discussion by commenting below...