Utd now plotting mid-season swoop for £31m stalwart after being left unconvinced by backline depth

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·7. Oktober 2024

Utd now plotting mid-season swoop for £31m stalwart after being left unconvinced by backline depth

Despite keeping four clean sheets in the opening seven Premier League matches, Manchester United’s form at the back has left a lot to be desired.

Credit where credit’s due to Andre Onana, though, as he is proving his worth with every passing game in a United shirt following a tumultuous first season between the sticks.

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As for the defenders, Lisandro Martinez looks worlds apart from the version of himself fans had grown accustomed to seeing in his maiden term. It seems as though he’s still finding his feet after a season plagued with injuries, but should his performances continue as they are, it’ll prompt serious concerns with the board over his fall from grace.

Matthijs de Ligt is yet to reach his best, albeit he’s been thrown into the deep end of a struggling side, while Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire all entered 2024/2025 fully aware that they wouldn’t be the manager’s first-choices.

As such, a report relayed by Birmingham World claims that INEOS chiefs are mulling over a mid-season swoop for Aston Villa’s Pau Torres, having just seen him in action during Sunday’s stalemate at Villa Park.

Why United’s Torres interest is unlikely to materialise

There’s no doubt that the 27-year-old, who was linked with United on numerous occasions before his £31.5 million Villarreal exit, would strengthen the options at the back. However, adding yet another centre-half to the fold wouldn’t make too much sense, given the five candidates currently vying for a starting role.

It’s also worth noting that Torres is unlikely to even entertain the move. He’s enjoyed a scintillating start to the campaign in the Midlands, with Unai Emery’s side currently sitting fifth-placed in the league. They also boast two wins in their opening two Champions League fixtures, the latest of which saw them overturn European giants Bayern Munich last Wednesday.