Manchester United’s struggles last season were caused by a multitude of different factors across the course of the campaign.
However, one damning statistic in April showed one glaring issue, which did not help matters for boss Erik ten Hag. By early April, United were set to line up with their 26th different defensive partnership.
This was drawn out of necessity as United were hit with a devastating streak of injuries. Veteran defender Jonny Evans was roped in to play more matches than even he would have hoped for, and ultimately it was costly.
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United were fortunate enough to be fairly compact during the course of the season, but the chopping and changing did little to generate consistency for the Reds. No surprise then that Ten Hag has admitted the defence is a priority area to strengthen in the summer window.
MEN Sport understands United want to add three centre-backs to their squad this summer, which would represent a huge shift in the amount of options available to Ten Hag next season. Question marks still remain over Tyrell Malacia and when he will be back to full fitness for the Reds.
Considering the length of time he has been on the sidelines, the likelihood of him being able to fully compete with Luke Shaw for the left-back spot is unlikely, so a loan move could be in his future. The same could be said for Willy Kambwala if Ten Hag gets his three centre-back targets, but a spot as a first-team regular is on the horizon for the Frenchman if he continues his impressive progress.
So with these caveats in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at the incredible options that Ten Hag could get to choose from next season.
Lille’s teenage sensation is on the radar of Real Madrid but, United have had a bid of £50m accepted for his services. The question now is whether Yoro is happy to put his dream of playing at the Bernabeu on hold to come to Old Trafford.
(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images.)‘The Butcher’ is a fan favourite at Old Trafford, and it was disappointing to see him miss a considerable chunk of last season. However, when he did play, he did not miss a beat, and his performances for Argentina at Copa America this summer are cause for excitement.
(Image: JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)It is clear the Bayern Munich man wants to end his nightmare in Bavaria, and United looks best placed to do that. At 24, he still has plenty of time to reach the potential that Ten Hag saw in him all those years ago at Ajax. Personal terms have been agreed; now it is all about agreeing a fee.
(Image: ANP via Getty Images)Dalot truly stepped up to the plate for United last season. Named Players’ Player of the Year shows exactly how crucial his peers see him to this team. The Portuguese has sealed that position for Ten Hag.
From on the verge of departure to being a genuine miss when injured, Maguire has been on an incredible redemption tour. His contract expires in 2025, but after the summer transfer window there is talk he could receive an extension until 2027, which is a huge achievement. The elder statesman role in this defence could be perfect for the England international.
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images.)There are big question marks as to whether Wan-Bissaka will be at United when the new season begins. However, if he is not sold, he would provide very good cover for Dalot. He can also operate on the left-hand side, which could be beneficial as the season rolls on.
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)Enzo Maresca may not have desires to keep the Englishman in his squad next season so United could pick up a bargain buy here. Chilwell may not be first choice at Old Trafford either, but he has the potential to give the next man on the list a run for his money down that left side.
(Image: Darren Walsh)He may have been missing since February, but when he came on against Switzerland this past weekend, he was a breath of fresh air for the Three Lions. There is never any doubting Shaw’s commitment to the cause, and he seems the obvious choice to start in the new season at this stage so long as he can put those injury worries to one side.
There is still plenty of work to do to get Branthwaite through the door at Old Trafford, but the 21-year-old is the exemplary Ineos signing. He is young, English, tons of potential, and plenty of resale value. It is all about whether Everton will budge on their valuation or not.