Manchester United are considering making a move for a 20-year-old French centre-back who has caught the eye of numerous European clubs.
Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, the overall setup of Manchester United is bound to change in terms of the tactical setup and atmosphere around the dressing room. The potential transfers the Portuguese coach was looking to bring in may also change.
With Matthijs De Ligt and Harry Maguire currently out injured, and Maguire specifically nearing the end of his United career, it would seem that the club is looking for a long-term solution that provides good cover and has room to grow into a solid defender.
Leny Yoro, on the surface, seems like a very similar signing to the player whom United are rumoured to be interested in a loan-to-buy deal in the January transfer window. Both young and French, it seems the higher-ups at the club have a preference.
If the new signing were brought to the club, he would hope to have a better start to life than Yoro, who has suffered a serious injury followed by inconsistent performances in the Premier League. He would also hope to be included in the first team straight away, as United’s centre-back options are currently limited.
Ayden Heaven is another young centre-back at United’s disposal, and it brings into question whether signing more players in his position may hinder the 19-year-old’s development.
United interested in a loan-to-buy deal for Bitshiabu
Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in RB Leipzig’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu, according to L’Equipe, with the Red Devils potentially considering a loan-to-buy offer in the winter market. The 20-year-old has also received interest from numerous clubs in Europe.
Bitshiabu had to be patient to earn his first league appearance in October and then a month later found himself starting in the Bundesliga for the first time before suffering a hamstring injury. The Frenchman has made one appearance since regaining full fitness.
L’Equipe describes Bitshiabu as a ‘promising youngster who is seeking regular game time’, but United will have to battle against a desperate AS Monaco, who have been struck by a large number of injuries, Lyon and Bayer Leverkusen for the defender’s signature.
However, a move in the near future seems unlikely for Bitshiabu, as it has been reported by Bild that Leipzig has enforced an internal ban on the 20-year-old’s transfer, loan or permanent, in the January transfer window.
Do United need Bitshiabu?
Although Manchester United’s centre-back options are currently somewhat depleted, the signing of Bitshiabu from Leipzig may end up being a panic buy and could harm another promising player’s career in the long run if he does not perform.
Heaven, Yoro and Lisandro Martinez are all fit and know the squad, and following Amorim’s departure, a four at the back formation is likely to be adopted, which means less centre backs are needed as regularly in the side.
INEOS has come under a lot of fair scrutiny, and making the same mistakes over and over will not help their case when rebuilding trust with the fans. Their transfer policy may look promising on paper, but the large influx of inexperienced players in a time of crisis leaves the dressing room without proper leaders.
If they are set on finding a centre-back for added coverage to the squad, a more experienced individual like Thiago Silva could be the route to go down, a player who provides experience to the huge amount of young talent, as well as driving standards for the older players who have been failing to perform.
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