Manchester United's pursuit of a central defender during the summer transfer window was well-documented.

Manager Jose Mourinho had been keen to bring in a new central defender with Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld identified as the ideal man to improve the Red Devils at the back (via Sky Sports).

However, with the two clubs failing to find an agreement over the player's transfer fee, Manchester United turned their attention to Leicester City man Harry Maguire.

The Breakdown

Mourinho's pursuit for Maguire would, of course, end the same way as his chase for Alderweireld did, and the failure to acquire either player now looks like it could impact the entirety of Manchester United's season.

According to the Evening Standard, Mourinho was desperate to bring in Alderweireld or Maguire in an attempt to transform the way his team plays.

The Evening Standard reports that Mourinho was plotting to use a system with three centre-halves and two wing-backs pushed extremely high up the pitch with Alderweireld or Maguire seen as the pivotal component to make it work.

Unfortunately for Mourinho, though, things did not materialise that way -- something that will not bother Leicester one bit.

Maguire has grown significantly as a central defender since arriving at the King Power back in June 2017, and the 25-year-old -- bar Manchester City -- could now get into a top six side.

The former Hull City man is capable of both passing and bringing the ball out of defence effectively, which he displayed at the World Cup with England on their way to the semi-finals, while aerially he has probably become one of the best in the Premier League.

Ultimately, the attributes Maguire possesses in this day and age of football makes him a real asset to have, and Mourinho's desperation for him has only reaffirmed that.