Manchester United are facing tough competition from some of their ‘big six’ Premier League rivals in their pursuit of a £45 million-rated defender.
Manchester United are currently on a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, consisting of three wins and two draws, which has seen them climb up the table into seventh.
The Reds endured a tough start to the campaign, which was epitomised by their loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, but have since been able to turn it around.
Ruben Amorim can thank his summer signings for much of the club’s recent success. Senne Lammens has provided much-needed solidarity between the sticks, whilst Bryan Mbeumo has been on fire in front of goal.
Despite successfully strengthening their attack during the summer, the Reds are hopeful of improving their defensive and midfield departments in the January transfer window.
United target Singo
According to the Turkish outlet Sabah, the Red Devils are interested in 24-year-old right-back Wilfried Singo, but are being rivalled by two other Premier League sides.
The Ivorian full-back is currently playing his football for Galatasaray after joining the Turkish side for £26 million in August, and has already attracted interest from England.
Singo has drawn interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as United, who have all sent scouts to monitor the progress of Galatasaray’s recruit. Previously, Singo has been described as a defender with “complete utility” who is also fast and athletic for his size.
With a contract lasting until 2030, the talented 24-year-old has a reported £53 million release clause. However, another report from Sabah stated that when Aston Villa pursued Singo, Galatasaray had initially sought £45 million for his signature.
United’s wing-back depth
United have looked increasingly solid defensively in recent weeks, although this improvement can predominantly be attributed to their central defenders.
The wing-back department of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system has been a slight problem area at times, with Diogo Dalot often being played on the left and Amad on the right, despite these not being either of their natural positions.
Given Singo’s ability to play both as a right-back and as a centre-back, his versatility could be just what United need defensively, and it could also allow Amad to play further up the pitch.
Regardless of whether the Ivorian is the answer or not for United, they seem to have the right idea by focusing some of their attention on improving the current crop of wing-backs at their disposal.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.