Manchester United signed two centre-backs in last summer’s transfer window but may still move for another this summer.
Manchester United backed Erik ten Hag with not one but two major defensive additions last summer.
United landed Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, allowing him to reunite with Ten Hag, having previously worked together at Ajax.
Leny Yoro also joined United as the French wonderkid arrived in a big-money move from Lille.
United’s outlay on De Ligt and Yoro could exceed £100million if all add-ons are paid, but United are still looking for defensive additions.
FBL-EUR-C1-SPORTING-BOLOGNA
Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid could test Ousmane Diomande’s Manchester United stance
Victor Lindelof has said goodbye to United, while Jonny Evans has announced his retirement this summer.
That could tempt United into signing a right-footed defender to compete with De Ligt, Yoro and Harry Maguire.
Reports in Portugal suggest that United are interested in Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande, who played under Ruben Amorim in Lisbon.
More United News
Diomande – hailed as ‘excellent by teammate Jeremiah St Juste whilst speaking to Record – has emerged as a star in Portugal after joining Sporting from Midtjylland.
Crystal Palace want Diomande, but the Ivorian centre-back is allegedly more interested in joining United if he is heading to England.
That sounds exciting, but Diomande’s stance may be challenged amid recent reports from TEAMtalk that Real Madrid are keen on signing him.
It’s suggested that new Real boss Xabi Alonso is a big fan of Diomande, meaning a move to Madrid could materialise this summer.
Alonso wants to add another central defender, and Diomande is now emerging as a prime target for the Spanish giants.
United may be Diomande’s priority if he makes a Premier League switch, but turning down a powerhouse like Real would be a different matter.
Manchester United will hope to avoid Franco Mastantuono repeat
United beat Real to Yoro last summer, but have already seen one target secure a move to the Spanish capital.
River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono was a key target for United, having shown enormous potential in Argentina.
Real have won the race for Mastantuono, handing him a ‘dream’ move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
United will be disappointed to have missed out on such a big talent, and would hate to see Diomande make the same move.
A centre-back may only be targeted once United have bolstered Amorim’s attacking options, and that window may just allow Real to swoop in for Diomande.
The Amorim connection could be crucial, but United will seemingly face a stern battle for Diomande’s signature regardless.