Erik ten Hag lines up defensive reinforcements and plots move for former Barcelona centre back as Manchester United’s injury woes continue
- Erik ten Hag’s injury list includes players such as Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez
- Man United are expected to target a top center in January
- Aaron Ramsdale’s father has every right to support his son It all comes to the surface
Manchester United are expected to prioritize defensive signings as the January transfer window opens.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been plagued by injuries on the pitch, but their performances at the back have become increasingly worrying.
United recently leaked three goals to Manchester City and Newcastle, conceding four in the Champions League against Copenhagen.
Many of their more defensive players were on the injured list, such as midfielder Casemiro and Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, so ten Hag will no doubt prioritize signing a defender.
The Manchester club are said to have a number of players in their sights, but a former Barcelona centre-back has been most linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Jean Clair Todibo represented France in their record-breaking 14-0 demolition of Gibraltar
Erik ten Hag will look for reinforcement at the back, as his team was struggling defensively
Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo was originally a target for the Red Devils during the summer, but the move fell through due to Harry Maguire’s failed £30 million transfer to West Ham.
About the failed move, Todibo said: “I experienced it differently than my previous situations in my career. My thinking was much deeper and more thoughtful. I didn’t want to make a mistake in my choice. I remained very calm.’
The 23-year-old has since impressed at the heart of Nice’s defense and earned a call-up to the France squad while featuring during the recent international break.
He started his career at Toulouse but joined Barcelona as a teenager and is expected to cost somewhere in the region of £35 million.
Another part of this transfer would be the possible involvement of Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose INEOS group is closely linked to the purchase of a stake in Manchetser United.
However, a temporary ban on incoming loan contracts between clubs with the same owners was recently proposed.
Premier League shareholders will vote on this later this month, and United would certainly be affected if Sir Jim were to take over.
United can still buy Todibo outright, of course, and Ten Hag will certainly be thinking about his start on January 1 as his side look to iron out all their inconsistencies.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group is close to completing its £1.3 billion takeover of 25 percent of the club.
