Man United’s stance on new centre-back unveiled after Maguire renewal | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly still on the hunt for a new centre-back this summer, despite Harry Maguire signing a contract extension this week.

Big H stays

Uncertainty was swirling around Maguire‘s future at Old Trafford earlier in the season as the England international’s contract was set to expire in May. At the time, under the turbulent rule of Ruben Amorim, the 33-year-old defender was largely relegated to the bench, with Matthijs de Ligt emerging as the standout performer for the Red Devils.

However, football is an unpredictable beast at the best of times and, just a few months on, Amorim has left the club – replaced by Michael Carrick after being handed his marching orders by INEOS – and De Ligt has been ruled out with a long-term back injury.

With Carrick at the helm, and in De Ligt’s unfortunate absence, Maguire has returned as a permanent fixture in the side, playing every match of the 44-year-old interim coach’s superb start. No side has picked up more points than United since Carrick’s appointment, with his experienced centre-half proving a key part of this as a pillar of strength at the back.

This upturn in form, for both the player and the club, saw INEOS move to end the speculation over Maguire’s future by agreeing a one-year extension, which includes the option for an additional twelve months. He is understood to have taken a pay cut in order to facilitate negotiations – a testament to his desire to remain a Red Devil for as long as he can.

United have been linked with reinforcements in central defence, with Nottingham Forest and Brazilian behemoth Murillo emerging as leading targets. But it was thought that Maguire’s extension would put a halt to this search, or at least delay it for another year or two.

However, TEAMtalk reveals INEOS remain intent on signing a centre-back this summer. “While Harry Maguire has recently committed to a new deal, United are still expected to add another centre-half this summer”, the report states. And it appears the perfect candidate is actively pushing for a move to England this summer after his club slashed his asking price in order to accelerate the move.

The French Titan

Castello Lukeba is a long-term target at Old Trafford as United have been repeatedly reported as a suitor of the RB Leipzig defensive monster – with good reason.

The France international is a left-footed centre-back with outstanding ball-progression abilities, a rare combination which top clubs covet. But he is also excellent in duels and retains the speed and strength to cover large spaces in transition.

At just 6’0, the 23-year-old is relatively undersized by the Premier League’s usual standard, but he possesses a sprightly jump and is able to effectively battle forwards taller than him. Interestingly, rather than a long-term successor to Maguire, Lukeba’s profile almost lends itself more to taking over from Lisandro Martinez, United’s warrior with a wand of a left foot.

The 28-year-old Argentine has suffered a series of devastating injuries since arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022. When this is combined with De Ligt’s mysterious back problem, United are faced with their two ‘prime’ centre-backs both posing risks next season – which may explain why the club remain focused on a new option, despite renewing Maguire’s deal.

TEAMtalk reveals RB Leipzig are willing to slash the asking price for Lukeba from his £70m release clause down to £55m, with the Frenchman’s camp having already made contact with each member of England’s elite as they push for a move to the Premier League this summer.

United are one of the sides to have been “formally notified” of this option, while Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also informed, setting up a potential battle between the domestic rivals.

Final Thoughts

While Lukeba is undoubtedly a talented centre-back, possessing the physical traits to compete in the Premier League and the technical attributes to be decisive with the ball at his feet, the idea of spending big money, even with his price being slashed, on a young(ish) defender when Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are already at the club is a foolish one.

United bought themselves some breathing room by renewing Maguire’s deal; now is not the time to add another defensive monster to the ranks at Old Trafford.

Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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