Manchester United presented with a chance to sign a former target
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spent a world-record fee to sign Harry Maguire, last summer.
Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was confirmed as the permanent manager of Manchester United, the Norwegian identified defence as the area which needed reinforcements on a priority basis. The club managed to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire from Crystal Palace and Leicester City, respectively.
Despite attaining the players at a premium, it’s fair to say that Manchester United have found a solid foundation to build their attacks this season. Statistically and at the time of writing this, the Red Devils boast having the most number of clean sheets, more than any side in Europe’s top-five leagues, 24 across all competitions.
𝐒 𝐨 𝐥 𝐢 𝐝
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 10, 2020
We've kept 1️⃣2️⃣ clean sheets in our last 1️⃣7️⃣ outings ⛔️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/u50BNH8Via
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Yet, there have been instances where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have struggled to hold a defensive shape together as several oppositions have exposed a few weaknesses, still, in the United defence.
Currently, Man United lack an aggressive centre-half who could patrol larger parts of the pitch and is more capable in one-on-one situations – qualities which Harry Maguire needs alongside himself to maintain a high defensive line with aplomb.
As things stand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is committed to reinforcing his attack with Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish being intensely linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer. But, several reports have suggested that Man United could lure a defender if a suitable target becomes available in the summer and the club have the required funds to sanction the deal.
Recent reports emerging from Italy have suggested a similar story. Milan Skriniar, one of the targets from last summer, is said not to be in Inter Milan’s plans as the defender has struggled to find his feet in a tactically-strict, three-defender system deployed by Antonio Conte.
As per Tuttosport, Antonio Conte is planning a defensive overhaul this summer by letting go of Milan Skriniar and Diego Godin this summer as Internazionale seek to end Juventus’ Serie A hegemony.
"Skriniar’s performances have dropped off somewhat this season, shaking his previous ‘untouchability’.That has seen his price tag fall to €60m, and the club ‘could consider selling’ should such a bid come in for him.That is because they have already identified potential replacements for him, namely Marash Kumbulla, Armando Izzo and Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen. (Tuttosport via Sport Witness)"
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Not only in Italy, but stories are doing their rounds in England, too. The Independent suggested that both Manchester clubs could go head to head for the Slovakia international with Kalidou Koulibaly also being mentioned.
However, Koulibaly has expressed his desire to remain focussed at Napoli amid exit transfer rumours. In addition, Inter Milan’s increasing desire to look beyond Skriniar could mean a transfer battle between the blue and red side of Manchester for the Slovakian.
Do you think Manchester United will sign a defensive target this summer?