Cristian Romero: Man United stance on Spurs captain revealed | OneFootball

Whilst it is evident Manchester United are intent on improving their midfield options this summer, there could still be room for a surprise signing or two in other areas of the field should the right opportunity present itself.

If United are serious about mounting a title challenge next season, there is no doubt they could do with a reliable centre-half of ready-made ability who can be fit and ready for action for the majority of the season.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt look to have the perfect blend of qualities to build a formidable partnership at the heart of United’s back line, but simply cannot be trusted to go through a campaign injury-free.

Therefore, if INEOS can strike a deal for a top-quality centre-back, it might just be the difference in United getting closer to Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table.

Surprise name on the list shut down

That being said, finding that player, particularly on a budget, is no easy feat, but a shock name was strongly linked with Manchester United on Monday night.

The Peoples Person relayed that United were preparing an offer for wantaway Tottenham Hotspur skipper Cristian Romero.

However, as per Manchester Evening News, United have no interest in signing the Argentina international.

Whilst possessing certain qualities, Romero’s ill-discipline and overall disappointing performance levels over the last 12 to 18 months have left Tottenham at the wrong end of the table under his leadership on the pitch.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old will be leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under the cloud of controversy that came after he returned to Argentina to watch his boyhood club rather than be in attendance for their crucial last game of the season to keep them in the division.

Even if United fans are wishing for a centre-back before the season starts, it is doubtful they will be losing any sleep over missing out on a player who has shown such a lack of commitment to the club paying his wages.

United can ill-afford to waste a chunk of their budget on a player who is not guaranteed to improve things at Old Trafford, and Romero would certainly be seen as a major gamble.

Other priorities

Whilst a centre-back addition would be nice, it is believed United are focusing on the left-back spot alongside the engine room for improvements this summer and see themselves as relatively well-stocked at centre-half.

Despite the concerns around De Ligt and Martinez’s fitness, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and the impressive Ayden Heaven will all be expected to play their part next season to ensure United enjoy a successful campaign.

Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall looks the favourite to lighten the load on Luke Shaw, who, despite starting every league game last season, has struggled badly with injuries and, given the extra games this year, will need strong back-up.

Hall looks every inch the long-term replacement for Shaw and if INEOS can get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old, they could have the left-back issue solved for the next decade.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social