A host of clubs, including Benfica, who sold him to the Red Devils, are interested in signing Swedish centre-back, Victor Lindelof, according to the Sun.
Lindelof has had a tough time at Manchester United. Never quite showing the potential that was expected of him when he signed at Old Trafford. It is hard to view the player as anything other than a flop.
The player has never seemed as composed in a red shirt as he has with his national side, Sweden, where he reached a World Cup quarter-final. He has frustrated both manager and fans with his poor performances, and United fans will be dreaming of better quality defenders joining their club. In the years of success under Alex Ferguson, the club were built on formidable centre-back pairings such as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Indeed, Victor Lindelof is clearly not in the same category of player as those greats of the past.
With that in mind, here is three players who should replace Victor Lindelof at Old Trafford…
With Bayern reportedly open to offers, the versatile German defender must surely be high up on the transfer agenda of Jose Mourinho.
Since his move to Munich from cross-city rivals Manchester City, Boateng has been a mainstay in a highly successful Bayern side, securing six Bundesliga titles, in a trophy-laden time at the Bavarian club. Boateng has great energy and ball playing ability, and is considered the perfect modern day centre back by many. He is 29 and ready to come in and make an immediate impact.
A centre back in his prime, the tough-tackling defender may well be the missing piece in United’s quest to close the gap between themselves and Guardiola’s Manchester City. Since the departure of huge names Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who formed a formidable centre back pairing, United have looked to lack a commanding general in the centre back role, contributing to their perceived lack of success since Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
Harry Maguire has been one of the star men in Gareth Southgate’s England side, and could be one of the star men in Mourinho’s Manchester United.
With a goal, and an assist in the World Cup, Maguire has stolen many headlines in his recent times.
His excellent World Cup form has come after the centre back was in unstoppable form for Leicester City. Comfortable on the ball, not drawn into last ditch tackles, a good passing ability and some surging runs forward, Maguire has impressed many. He would be a real aerial threat for Mourinho from corners, but it’s his comfort on the ball that will be the most appealing to the Portuguese manager.
Jose Mourinho should look to sign the centre back to replace the stuttering Swede. He could form the centre back pairing that transforms the fortunes of Manchester United.
The Manchester born centre back was a key man in Burnley’s excellent season in which the Clarets finished 7thand secured a Europa League spot.
He was on the fringe of Gareth Southgate’s England set up. Sean Dyche is notorious for only signing players with the right mentality, so it hints Tarkowski is a real battler who could improve even more whilst at Old Trafford.
A tough tackler and commanding figure, he is not the most glamorous of players, but would have more of an impact at Old Trafford than Lindelof.
