It goes without saying that Manchester United need to buy quality players all across the pitch to catch up with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who seem to be far superior to them at the moment. One area that needs improvement is at the heart of the defence and the Red Devils are in desperate need of a commanding centre back who can change their fortunes.
One player that United were linked to ahead of the 2018-19 season was Leicester City’s Harry Maguire, who has steadily risen and put in impressive performances at the 2018 World Cup for England. Now, reports suggest that Manchester United may be renewing their interest in signing him, at the end of the season.
The English international has been a key player for the Foxes since signing for them before the 2017-18 season. He has had two impressive seasons for Leicester City, which has led to speculation that he could move to a bigger club. The report states that Manchester United could break their record transfer fee, which currently stands at £89.3 million, the fee that they paid to sign Paul Pogba.
Is he the solution to their defensive woes?
Maguire is a solid defender who is good in the air, takes command of his area, and is a leader at the back, while also possessing the ability to play out from the back. The Englishman has shown that he can play in a four or three-man defensive formation.
The centre back has the attributes that Manchester United have missed – a commanding leader, determination in their approach, and a towering presence at the back. Victor Lindelof has probably been one of the very few positives in Manchester United’s terrible season, growing in confidence and displaying solid defensive ability at the back for the Red Devils.
One of the issues that Manchester United have faced since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club is finding a stable defensive pairing. They have tried different defenders at the back and several pairings, but none have inspired confidence.
Maguire has Premier League and international experience, and at 26 years of age, he is not a player who is touted to be one for the future but is rather the finished product who can improve the team significantly.