Manchester United have been linked with a move for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.
With the end of the season approaching, Manchester United are exploring transfer targets, and that includes free agents.
Central midfield is the clear top priority that will account for the majority of the transfer budget.
United intend to add depth around the squad in other areas. This has led to Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi emerging as a possible target.
Matteo Moretto reports that United have made contact with Senesi’s agents, with the defender’s contract set to expire this June.
Should Manchester United sign Marcos Senesi for free this summer?
He's top quality as a squad option…
Marcos Senesi
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Manchester United v Bournemouth - Premier League
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Good deal for United, questionable for Senesi
Marcos Senesi has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most reliable and underrated centre-backs.
Senesi has made 122 appearances for Bournemouth, and started 31 games for them in the Premier League this season.
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He is also in and around the Argentina squads and is hoping to land a place in their squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Senesi is left-footed, comfortable on the ball and strong in the air, and he would be an astute pick-up for Manchester United this summer.
With Champions League qualification looking likely, United will need depth, especially considering the way Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez have struggled with injuries.
Landing a player of Senesi’s quality on a free transfer would be a fantastic move for United.
For Senesi, joining United would be an incredible achievement, gaining the chance to play Champions League football and compete for the top places in the Premier League.
You could understand why he would jump at the chance.
And you could also understand why he would turn it down and agree to sign elsewhere.
At Manchester United, Marcos Senesi would become one of six centre-backs competing for two places.
He would have to battle Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt.
Senesi already has enquiries from across Europe. Goal reports that Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are among those who are keen.
A move to United might be preferable in terms of stature for Senesi, but his chances of playing time would be weaker.
If he is the type of player who backs himself to succeed no matter the situation, he could jump at the chance. But if he is more of a pragmatist, then he could be scared by the prospect of joining United to be a back-up.
In his favour is his strong fitness record this season. Senesi has been a near ever-present for Bournemouth in the league. He could get his fair share of game time in a long season for United, even if he is not a first choice, due to the poor fitness records of others.
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De Ligt / Martinez
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Harry Maguire deal changes the dynamic
Manchester United’s decision to sign Harry Maguire to a new contract does change the dynamic.
Maguire has extended his contract until 2027, with a further 12 month option.
If United had decided not to extend Maguire’s deal, a move for Senesi would become more of a necessity than a luxury.
Instead of signing 28-year-old Senesi as a sixth option, United might decide to target a younger prospect.
Or instead, simply create space for a young talent like Dan Armer to make his way through the academy and into the first team.
If Senesi does sign for United, it’s extra insurance with an international calibre player added to the squad.
It is more of a risk for him than it is for United.
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