Manchester United will surely return to sign a new defender when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

Adding defensive reinforcements was a priority for former boss Jose Mourinho over the summer but the Red Devils tried and failed to appease the Portuguese. United’s woeful form ultimately cost the former Chelsea manager his job. United have been completely transformed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remaining unbeaten in their first eleven Premier League games under the Norwegian.

Despite their improved form, a new defender should remain top of their shortlist in the summer. Regardless of whether Solksjaer is given the job permanently or a new man is installed, signing a world-class defender would get United challenging for the title yet again.

Therefore, the Red Devils should break the bank to land Porto wonderkid – Eder Militao. Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old is a new arrival at the club having signed from Sao Paulo in the summer for just £3.6m. The Brazilian has been one of the most consistent performers in Liga NOS and has attracted interest from all across Europe.

Militao is comfortable at centre-back, right-back and even defensive midfield due to his composure on the ball. The youngster is a fantastic defender winning 1.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game in Portugal. As well as his defensive abilities on the ground, Militao is also a dominant force in the air, winning 3.5 aerial duels per game, meaning the physicality of the Premier League should be no issues at all (WhoScored).

The Brazil U21 international has the potential to be one of the world’s best defenders and United should do everything in their power to lure him to Old Trafford.

Manchester United fans, thoughts?