Manchester United will enter the summer transfer window with a new defender on their list of priorities, and calls have been held over potential targets, Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed while writing for GIVEMESPORT.
The Red Devils have been busy attending to their defence over the past year, with Matthijs de Ligt (£42.9 million) and Leny Yoro (£52 million) arriving last summer. Ayden Heaven joined Arsenal's academy in January, but he's already won Ruben Amorim over with a run in the first team amid his team's injury struggles.
A new striker seems a certainty for Amorim once the season finishes because of Rasmus Hojlund's lack of potency and Joshua Zirkzee moving into a number 10 role. But the Portuguese coach also wants to further strengthen at the back despite Harry Maguire's resurgence as he's 32, and Victor Lindelof is likely to leave when his contract expires this summer.
Romano: Man Utd 'Making Some Calls' Over Centre-Backs
Amorim wants more cover
Manchester United's poor season has highlighted several issues in Amorim's squad, especially as he tries to get a squad that can perform his system. INEOS' signings since his appointment has worked well, with Patrick Dorgu impressing at the left-wing back while Heaven has over-exceeded expectations.
Amorim may point to those two as examples of getting the ball rolling regarding his brand of football. Romano has suggested that he's asked for another centre-back, and INEOS are obliging:
"Ruben Amorim has also indicated this position as one more to cover in the upcoming months, and Man United directors have recently started making some calls to enquire about centre-backs available in the summer."
Manchester United's Defence (Premier League 2024-25)
Matches
Goals conceded
Clean sheets
Goals conceded per game
Errors leading to shot
Errors leading to goal
Duels won per game
Jarrad Branthwaite was heavily linked with United last summer, but Everton turned down bids worth up to £50 million for the English centre-back. He could still be on INEOS' radar given his assured displays for the Toffees this season but they were asking for £70 million.
RB Leipzig's 'monster' Castello Lukeba is a reported target, and he's also on Real Madrid's and Liverpool's radars. The Red Devils may have to meet his £75 million release clause, which is problematic given the financial problems the club is dealing with.
Amorim has previously hinted that Goncalo Inacio would be an 'attractive' option, and he knows the Sporting CP defender well. There may be a desire to turn to players he's worked with before so that there isn't a risk over their adaption to his team at Old Trafford but a £51 million release clause might need to be triggered.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 15/03/2025.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim Related
Exclusive: Man Utd Eyeing £34m Goalkeeper After 'Private' Onana Decision
Manchester United are weighing up whether to attempt to sign Lille shot-stopper Lucas Chevalier when the transfer window reopens