What does a perfect transfer window for Manchester United look like?
The centre-back conundrum
While Jadon Sancho’s arrival has more or less added extra vigour and attacking fluidity, Manchester United surely need to get a new centre-back.
Can Raphael Varane solve this equation? He surely can.
The Frenchman was viably better than Victor Lindelof last season. He won more aerial duals per 90 (2.4) than Lindelof (1.8), he had better aerial success (72.3%) than the United center-half (59.4) and even won more duels per 90 (3.7) than the Swede (2.9).
While Lindelof has been decent for Manchester United, inconsistency has hurt his reputation and maybe some competition can help him put on a better show.
All this looks absolutely appealing on paper but one needs to keep in mind the fact that the relationship between Real Madrid and Manchester United has been bitter ever since the former failed to acquire David de Gea. This means United can rightly expect the Spaniards to play hardball in the 11th hour.
Manchester United are in direct contact with Real Madrid for Raphaël Varane since one week. Varane wants a Premier League experience but he’ll be respectful. He’s not breaking his relationship with Real. 🔴 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2021
It’s up to the two clubs to reach an agreement. Talks on.
So what United need to consider is planning for a replacement because as Fabrizio Romano has stated, Varane is reeling for the Premier League experience, but he will respect Real Madrid if they reject any attempt from Manchester United.