Strengthening the defence not top of United’s priorities
IT is fair to say the transfer speculation surrounding United and left-back options like Sergio Reguilon and Alex Telles in the past few days sprung from nowhere.
Perhaps the defensive recruits made by City and Chelsea have changed minds at Old Trafford, because it was previously believed the rise of Brandon Williams and Luke Shaw’s solid form had put left-back on the back burner of transfer priorities.
But Chelsea’s acquisition of Ben Chilwell was just one of a number of major transfer statements made by Frank Lampard’s side in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, it looks likely that City will add another marquee centre-back to the signing of the versatile Nathan Ake this summer.
So just like United were accused by some (misguided) pundits for ‘panicking’ while signing Donny van de Beek, the general picture in defence has seemingly changed as the window has gone on.
United are not in panic mode. Quite the opposite, they are operating a much more considered and careful transfer policy.
Links with RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano were quick to spring up after Van de Beek was unveiled, but cold water was swiftly poured over the rumours.
Like with the left-back situation, it was previously understood that United would not prioritise a centreback this summer and that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was happy with his back four.
He did splash £125m on reshaping the defence 12 months ago through the signings of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire, and saw a return on that investment with a marked improvement from the United back line.
But it’s true to say there is still room for improvement, amid question marks over Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly, fitness concerns surrounding Axel Tuanzebe plus the trio of unwanted centre-backs waiting for an exit.
It was always thought United would have to wait to sell Chris Smalling, Phil
Jones and Marcos Rojo before moving for a central defender, just as they would have to wait for injuries to hit Williams and Shaw to change their minds on a left-back.
And it remains to be seen whether United will push through interest in a left-back let alone sign a centre-back.
Perhaps the increase in defensive speculation comes as a result of stagnation elsewhere in United’s transfer plans.
It is no longer appropriate to say the Jadon Sancho saga ‘rumbles on’, simply because it appears to be standing still. United’s interest is unwavering, however, and they retain a strong desire to clinch the Borussia Dortmund man, with right-wing a top priority.
Maybe United need to remember those priorities that were outlined at the start of the window. It is tempting to delve into the market for centreback and left-back options, which may well be needed in time, but Sancho (or an elite right winger) would be the vital piece in Solskjaer’s jigsaw puzzle.
Just like United have pushed back a centre-forward signing until January by extending Odion Ighalo’s loan until the winter, they must delay their defensive plans, too.
It might not sit well with supporters to turn down the chance to sign a player like Reguilon, but it may be necessary to channel their attention in one direction.
United must put all their eggs in the Sancho basket this summer, as they always wanted to.