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.
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.