Manchester United’s defensive frailties were once again exposed against Brighton and Hove Albion in Round Three of the Carabao Cup, as the side conceded three goals.
The result, which saw Michael Carrick’s team lose from 2-0, up, has probed further questions about United’s defence, questions that began to emerge at the start of this season.
During their opening six games of the campaign, the Red Devils have conceded ten goals (1.6 per game). Injury concerns in both the centre-back and left-back positions have also emerged with Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw missing time with respective injuries.
It has probed a serious question for Manchester United officials to consider: should the club recruit in defensive positions in the January transfer window?
Plans to recruit in defence next summer are largely expected following the 2025 summer transfer window, which focused largely on attacking positions, and the 2026 summer transfer window, which focused on rebuilding the team’s midfield.
Whilst Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers his next move in that regard, he also has another problem to deal with: OGC Nice.
The Ligue 1 side have not won any of their opening four league games, losing two and drawing two, and have conceded five goals across that time.
Aiming to shore up, French publication L’Equipe have now said that INEOS have given Nice permission to proceed with a deal to sign Rennes centre-back Alidu Seidu.
The 26-year-old was a staple in Rennes’ sixth place Ligue 1 finish last season, making 21 league appearances as the club qualified for this season’s Europa League.
Having joined the side in 2024, Seidu’s time at Rennes looks to be coming to an end. The deal, which will see the Ghana international move to Nice, is expected to be a loan with an option to buy, according to L’Equipe, with negotiations ongoing currently.
Both Antoine Mendy and Moïse Bombito are currently out for Nice with injuries, with the former of those being a cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out for the rest of this season, leaving the club with just four central defenders currently in a back-three set-up.
The signing of Alidu Seidu, therefore, could be a welcome addition in helping improve the club’s depth in the centre-back position whilst also aiding the team’s ability to improve their results.