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Sunday’s defeat at the hands of Arsenal in pre-season was not as significant as the fact that two of United’s brightest young stars hobbled off due to injury.
New signing Leny Yoro followed Rasmus Hojlund in leaving the pitch and once again the defensive depth has come under the scanner.
Both senior centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with exits and Jonny Evans is the only one guaranteed to stay.
This means another repeat of what happened last season could be on the cards when Erik ten Hag was forced to be heavily reliant on Evans while he handed Willy Kambwala his debut and also called upon several academy graduates to the matchday squad.
Further CB additions
This is exactly why INEOS are eyeing further cover at the back and were trying to complete deals for both Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Bayern Munich star is growing increasingly agitated at his club’s refusal to lower their asking price with the player having already on personal terms with the Red Devils.
This delay also saw United enquire about the possibility of hijacking the Bavarian giants’ move for Jonathan Tah, which created panic over at the Allianz Arena.
The move was plunged into further doubt recently when Bayern’s new signing Hiroki Ito suffered a long-term injury which is expected to keep him out for at least a few months.
Double swoop
Multiple media outlets started predicting that the Bundesliga side would change their stance and hold on to the former Ajax starlet so as to not fall short of numbers once the season starts.
Sky Sports has busted those rumours and have stated that Bayern remain open to moving on De Ligt and want Tah as his replacement. United are hoping to agree Lindelof’s sale soon so as to fund a move for Ten Hag’s former protege.
It must also be remembered that De Ligt is not the only former Ajax star, the 20-time English league champions have their eyes on.
Noussair Mazraoui is a target for the right-back berth with the club open to moving on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is likely to be heading to West Ham.
“While Man Utd discuss Noussair Mazraoui with Bayern Munich, talks are open over Matthijs de Ligt. Both players have the same representative.
De Ligt still up for sale
“Rather like at right-back, United need to create squad space and budget. Victor Lindelof could be key – he too is into the final year of his contract.
“United going into the market again in that position likely to depend on departures rather than the injury sustained by Leny Yoro.
“We are told Bayern still want to sell de Ligt despite the injury to Hiroki Ito – Sky in Germany are reporting he will be out for two to three months. That’s because they remain intent on pursuing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.”
United have been adamant that they will not pay as much as Bayern are asking for the 24-year-old. It remains to be seen if the German outfit reduce their asking price as the window progresses.
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