Manchester United have had an approach rejected for a “promising” central defender, along with Southampton, Bournemouth and several Italian sides.
Manchester United’s defence is one of the stronger elements of Rúben Amorim’s side, but there are always improvements to be made, especially considering United finished 15th in the Premier League last season.
Talents like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are still so young, but have shown the players they could turn into if developed correctly, and United clearly want to add to the young defensive options already at the club.
Harley Emsden-James joined United from Southampton earlier in the summer, as an academy signing to bolster the already exciting academy defence at Old Trafford.
Despite having eight senior centre-back options at the club, Tyler Fredricson found a way into the side last season, impressing as he looked like an assured and experienced central defender.
Godwill Kukonki is another young defender who will be looking to make an impact on the first-team squad sooner rather than later, but he could face competition from a more experienced new signing.
United see Comuzzo approach rejected
Despite having most of their attention on Carlos Baleba and a new goalkeeper, United appear to be interested in signing a new central defender, with a young defender appearing more likely.
As reported by Tuttosport via CN24, United approached Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo but saw their offer rejected as he is rated very highly by the Italian side. Comuzzo started 24 games in the Serie A last season and played 35 minutes at Old Trafford in David de Gea’s farewell.
Southampton, Bournemouth and AC Milan have also seen approaches rejected for the “promising” centre-back, as Fiorentina are set against selling Comuzzo.
This is United’s second link to a centre-back in recent days, suggesting Amorim isn’t happy with his defensive options, but a sale will be needed if the Red Devils want to recruit a new defender.
With no European football, the defenders already at the club could struggle to share the minutes, never mind if another talent joins the club before the end of the window.
What is Amorim’s best defence?
With so many defenders in the squad, Amorim has many options for his best defence, which he will look to pick against Arsenal in the first game of the Premier League, but what exactly is his best defence?
Noussair Mazraoui will be competiting with Yoro on the right-hand side, but the Moroccan has missed the majority of pre-season so will likely start the season as backup, despite being named in Amorim’s six-man leadership group.
Luke Shaw and Heaven go into the new season as Amorim’s left-sided options, but Lisandro Martínez will be hungry to regain his place when he returns from injury. Shaw could also play as a left-wing back if Diego Leon or Patrick Dorgu are unavailable.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt will be the obvious candidates in the middle of Amorim’s back three, with the Dutchman likely to get the nod against Arsenal because his speed will be needed to deal with Viktor Gyokeres.
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