Five world-class centre-backs Man Utd could chase to fix shambolic defence, including Chelsea transfer target
MANCHESTER UNITED have been linked with several centre-backs amid growing pressure to replace captain Harry Maguire.
The England star, 28, has come under fire from fans this season with some members of the United squad also reportedly questioning Ralf Rangnick for still including him in his team.
Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand has also questioned whether Maguire is good enough to help win United the title after underperforming this season.
That means United could be on the lookout for a centre-back this summer, despite finally landing Raphael Varane last year.
A number of players have been linked to Old Trafford already, most of whom would demand considerable transfer fees.
Here are five defenders United could try and sign to fix their leaky backline.
Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea are desperate to keep their star centre-back but with his contract expiring in the summer Rudiger can decide his own future.
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United have been monitoring the German, 29, for some time and could make a move this summer with Ralf Rangnick said to be a fan.
But Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid have all been linked to Rudiger and he will want to play Champions League football – something United cannot guarantee at this point in the season.
Jules Kounde
The Sevilla star has impressed with his performances this season, helping his side into second place in La Liga.
He caught the eye of Chelsea last summer but The Blues could not agree a fee with Sevilla, who demanded £68.5million.
If United get desperate they could throw money at Kounde, 23, and with one year less on his contract he should be more affordable, in theory.
Marquinhos
Marquinhos has been a stalwart at the back for Paris Saint-Germain for several years and is now captain of the French giants.
Because of that PSG are unlikely to let him go but many probably thought United’s pursuit of Varane was similarly unrealistic.
If United manage to lure PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino to Old Trafford he could help persaude the 27-year-old Brazilian to make the move.
Matthijs de Ligt
United have reportedly joined Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the race for the 22-year-old Dutchman.
Juventus are braced for offers for the star who joined the Italians in a £67.5m deal from Ajax in 2019.
Having played with Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin last season the striker could persaude De Ligt to join – but he is also believed to be ‘flattered’ by interest from Chelsea.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Koulibaly is a player United have held a long-term interest in but he has been far too important for Napoli to ever let him leave.
However, he is now 30-years-old and with his contract expiring in 2023 the Italian club may have one last chance to cash in on him this summer.
If United can negotiate a cut-price deal they may sign the Senegal captain, particularly if Carlo Ancelotti is manager.
The Real Madrid boss has been linked to United and he is a big fan of Koulibaly after working with the defender in Naples.
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