Manchester United’s ‘ideal’ transfer plan involves perfect double summer move

It has been revealed that Manchester United’s transfer plans involve a move for two high-profile defenders, although there is a clear issue.

Manchester United plan to bolster their defence by signing multiple centre-backs this summer following a challenging season under Erik ten Hag, which saw them finish eighth in the Premier League and exit the Champions League by Christmas.

The team conceded over eighty goals in all competitions, frequently altering their defensive lineup due to injuries, leading to more than 30 different combinations across 52 matches in the 2023/24 season.

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INEOS are currently evaluating potential signings for the 2024 summer transfer window, with the club being linked to several high-profile defenders across the opening weeks of the off-season.

The latest name to be thrown into the mix is that of 24-year-old Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, who Ten Hag is said to be incredibly keen on working with again following their partnership at Ajax.

This is according to The Athletic, which claims that United are “seriously considering” a move to transfer him from the Bundesliga this summer.

It is said that the Dutch international is an “increasingly viable candidate” at Old Trafford, and although club-to-club negotiations are yet to commence and a transfer is far from confirmed, he has emerged as a concrete target.

United have also been heavily linked with Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro, and this news could be construed as a more “realistic” option compared to the potential deals for these two players—although this is not the case.

Interestingly, The Athletic’s article further details that United’s pursuit of De Ligt is independent of any pursuit of Branthwaite. United are said to have submitted a bid totalling £43 million for the English defender earlier this summer.

Whether or not United are able to sign both centre-halves will depend on departures with funds needing to be raised, but this shows that in an ideal window, both players would be signed.

Branthwaite is left-footed while De Ligt is right-footed, which makes the pair the perfect two players to sign this summer.

United need another left-footed defender to compete with Lisandro Martínez, while the potential departures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, and/or Jonny Evans leave the need for further reinforcements in the vacant right-centre-back position.

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