Manchester United are unlikely to touch their defence unless they have sorted the rest of their side, with Football Daily reporting that Erik ten Hag’s ‘lowest priority’ at present is in central defence.
The Red Devils conceded 57 goals last season, four more than relegated Burnley, as their defence looked all at sea for much of both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s and Ralf Rangnick’s reigns.
And, as a result, they have been linked with a whole host of defenders, with the likes of Jurrien Timber, Alessandro Bastoni and Goncalo Inacio all having been linked with moves to Manchester this summer.
To make matters worse, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are both expected to depart northwest England this summer, leaving Ten Hag’s side potentially short in defence.
Harry Maguire, meanwhile, had a season to forget, while Raphael Varane suffered an injury-prone first campaign in the top flight.
Despite this, however, it has been claimed that Manchester United are unlikely to touch their defence by way of reinforcements until the rest of the side has been sorted, something which could take much of the window.
🇳🇱 Jurrien Timber
🇪🇸 Pau Torres@skysports_sheth reports that Manchester United’s lowest priority is to sign defenders due to the amount of players they have there already. 💰 pic.twitter.com/n07x7DMuD7— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 15, 2022
Where needs strengthening?
Perhaps the more simple question would be to ask where doesn’t need strengthening. Manchester United need to bring in at least two forwards, with Edinson Cavani having left and Anthony Martial seemingly likely to follow.
They also need a pair of midfielders, with one of those being an out-and-out defensive option that they have lacked for years, while they continue to seem hot on the tail of Frenkie de Jong.
As a result, it is easy to see why they may see the defence as adequate until those deals are struck, but they will have to get a move on to ensure that it is all done by the start of the season.
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