Man Utd FINALLY have their centre-back

Suraj Radia

24 Aug 2023 15:44 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United — © ProShots/FootballTransfers

Manchester United have FINALLY secured a new centre-back this summer in a move that could have implications on Harry Maguire’s future at the club, however it may not be the big name that supporters were holding out for.

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Erik ten Hag has been desperate to sign a defender this summer and was hoping to pull off a transfer for Benjamin Pavard or Jean-Clair Todibo as a replacement for Maguire.

However, despite a £30 million bid being accepted from West Ham for Maguire, the England international turned down a move after failing to agree a pay-off with United.

NO GO: Maguire demands DOUBLE pay-off to leave Old Trafford

Consequently, United shelved plans to sign a big-money defender, however they have managed to add to their depth by bringing in a familiar face through Jonny Evans, who signed a short-term contract at Old Trafford during pre-season.

Evans started his career at United and made nearly 200 appearances for the club before moving to West Brom in 2015 before returning this summer after leaving Leicester.

And now the Daily Telegraph report that Evans could be handed a one-year deal by Ten Hag after impressing the Dutchman in a move that will only increase the competition for Maguire’s place, which could convince the 30-year-old to leave before next week’s transfer deadline.

What are United’s plans for the remainder of the transfer window?

United go into the final week of the transfer window still with much to do as they look to sign a midfielder, with Sofyan Amrabat still top of Ten Hag’s shortlist.

The need for a midfielder became greater after Mason Mount suffered an injury which could rule him out for up to two months, while signing another striker and a backup goalkeeper is still ideal if unrealistic.

Ten Hag will instead look to generate as much money as possible through sales before making a final push for a midfielder, with Fiorentina dropping their valuation of Amrabat to £21m.

LIFELINE: United see asking price dropped for top transfer target

Maguire, therefore, will be encouraged to leave the club before the end of the month despite his reluctance, although United are resigned to their former captain staying at Old Trafford this season.