Erik Ten Hag has a monumental rebuilding job on his hands at Manchester United, and it appears high on the list of priorities is to solidify what is a shambles of a United defence. As such, two key centre-back targets have been identified, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Jurrien Timber of Ajax is one of those options. Ten Hag is reportedly looking for a quick reunion with his compatriot, a pacey and powerful centre-half who is crucially also calm with the ball at his feet. He’s said to be available for roughly £30 million.
Villarreal’s Pau Torres is also being considered. The Spaniard has a €60 million release clause but the Champions League semi-finalists could be open to parting ways with him for less. The 25-year-old would be United’s only left-footed centre-back if he were to make the switch to Manchester.
Both are intriguing options. Timber’s versatility also enables him to slot in at right-back, another problem area for United, making him an attractive proposition. Meanwhile, Torres would help to strengthen what is a wavering left side of United’s defence amid Harry Maguire’s poor form.
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Manchester United fans should certainly be enthused by these targets, two of the hottest defensive properties on the market. With Timber just 20 and only getting better with age, and Torres entering his prime, they’re also both relatively low risk moves for the Red Devils.
Crucial also for Ten Hag will be to address United’s midfield woes. With Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard’s contracts expiring, replacing them with some quality reinforcement will be high on United’s new manager’s agenda.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers, Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane
Robert Worthington