Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has suggested he may be content with his current centre-back options even if the club does not secure the transfers of Matthijs de Ligt or Jarrad Branthwaite before the summer window closes.
The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in their final pre-season friendly in the United States on Sunday, raising fitness concerns as Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof were substituted at half-time. Ten Hag later clarified that Evans was withdrawn due to illness, while Lindelof’s substitution was precautionary. Harry Maguire also missed out on playing to avoid risking injury, and new signing Leny Yoro faces months out.
Despite these setbacks, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his central defence options. United recently signed Yoro from Lille for up to £59 million. Although personal terms have been agreed with De Ligt, Bayern Munich is demanding £42 million for the Dutchman. Everton, meanwhile, is holding out for £70 million for Branthwaite after rejecting a United bid of £35 million plus £8 million in add-ons.
“We have good options there in the centre-back position,” said Ten Hag after the loss to Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina. “Harry Maguire was also a precaution. Jonny Evans was ill and we had to take him out at half-time. Licha Martinez is coming back, a Copa America winner who played all the games there, so I think he’s in very good form. We have options and good options in the centre-half position.”
Several United players, including Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes, are returning from Euro 2024 and the Copa America. Ten Hag is optimistic they will be ready to start the new season against Fulham next Friday.
Despite his satisfaction with the current squad, Ten Hag hinted at potential additions, including a central midfielder and a right-back. Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui are known targets, with Mazraoui reportedly flying to Manchester for a medical next Tuesday.
“It’s always difficult to say,” Ten Hag commented on further changes to his team. “We hope and we’re always looking. We’ve seen this new leadership team is really eager to do business and to make deals. They’re on it and if the timing is there and the opportunities are there, I don’t know, I can’t say at this moment. But I’m sure, when they are there, they will go forward.”
After their loss to Liverpool, United will return to England to prepare for the Community Shield against Premier League champions Manchester City at Wembley next Saturday. United concluded the 2023-24 campaign by defeating City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at the same venue in May and will aim for a similar result.
