REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Ben Jacobs has revealed that Manchester United are considering making a late central defensive signing and have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea's Tosin Adarabioyo.
Michael Carrick's men made a nightmare start to the new season, losing 2-0 away to newly promoted Hull City last Saturday. A poor display has raised concerns about the squad's strength ahead of their return to the UEFA Champions League.
INEOS' main priority had been sorting out Carrick's midfield following Casemiro's departure. They have signed three midfielders, including Carlos Baleba, who arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £70 million deal this week.
Ben Jacobs: Man Utd Want New Centre-Back
tosin
United have been keen on signing a new left-back to give Luke Shaw competition, but they could now move for a new centre-back before the transfer window closes on Tuesday (September 1st).
Jacobs revealed on The United Stand that the Red Devils are looking at centre-back options and have discussed Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis, 24, internally. The young Englishman has remained at St Mary's despite their relegation two seasons ago.
United have also been offered Chelsea's Tosin, 28, as a potential squad player to help give Carrick more depth. The former Fulham man is on the fringes of the first-team at Stamford Bridge following Maxence Lacroix's arrival from Crystal Palace.
Tosin's teammate Josh Acheampong, 20, is said to be on the club's radar, but the west London outfit consider him 'untouchable'. He started in a 3-2 win at Craven Cottage on Monday night, and new manager Xabi Alonso appears to be a big fan.
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Man Utd defensive options (2025-26) Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea) Josh Acheampong (Chelsea) Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton)
Tackles 1.82 1.49 0.88
Interceptions 1.03 1.63 0.90
Clearances 7.63 2.85 7.41
Blocked Shots 0.57 0.41 0.66
Dribbled Past 0.23 0.54 0.24
Fouls Committed 0.68 0.27 0.71
United's interest in Acheampong makes sense given the English youngster can play across the backline. Their chances of signing him seem slim, but of the three players Jacobs mentions, he is probably the best solution.
Paying The Price For Failed Lewis Hall Pursuit
Lewis Hall
United are leaving it late to strengthen at the back, and there were clear issues in defence throughout last season. Harry Maguire extended his contract earlier this year but at 33 will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Matthijs de Ligt is still recovering from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a back injury, while Lisandro Martinez's inconsistent availability is still a worry. Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are Carrick's other centre-back options but are still developing.
Man Utd transfer targets
Jean-Philippe Mateta - Offered chance to sign Crystal Palace striker
Lewis Hall - Newcastle won't sell
Josh Acheampong - Chelsea deem him 'untouchable'
Taylor Harwood-Bellis - Southampton star discussed internally
The main problem the club have is that they took so long to explore a potential move for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall. The Magpies have no intention of selling him, and that is a huge setback because Carrick is lacking in that position as well as in central defence.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick
Had INEOS signed a new left-back, whether that be Hall or a player of similar quality, that could allow Carrick to use Shaw as a makeshift centre-back if needed. There has been talk of Baleba playing that role in desperate situations, but ideally, they should have had a Tyrell Malacia replacement sorted before the final days of the window.