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Matthijs De Ligt is one the hottest properties in world football right now and multiple clubs are in the race for the Dutch youngster's signature. There have been multiple reports that United are also one of the club's interested in him.
But as the number of clubs interested in him rises, his price and demands will naturally rise as well. Mino Raiola, the super agent who manages De Ligt is also looking to collect a big sum from the transfer .So he is going to cost more than his valuation.There have been also reports of PSG looking to sign him. This could mean that the price that the clubs are willing to pay for him will have to increase. It is true that Manchester United is in need of a quality centre back. They should consider the fact that there are other cheaper, reliable options available in the market.
Here are 3 cheaper alternatives Manchester United could consider instead of Matthijs De Ligt.
#1 Samuel Umtiti
Samuel Umtiti has had his opportunities limited last season with him only managing 15 apperences for the team. He was considered a very important part of the team untill he suffered an injury which kept him out for a long time. It hasn't been a great return for Umtiti after the injury layoff as the defensive duo of Gerrard Pique and Clement Lenglet has established themselves in the Barcelona starting lineup.
With Barcelona also reportedly interested in De Ligt, it is safe to say that Umtiti's chances are going to be further limited if the Dutchman arrives. It will be a wise move for the French defender to seek a new club. Still only 25 and with a world cup under his belt, Umtiti could be just what Manchester United need. There have been multiple reports Arsenal are also interested in signing the Frenchman so United will have to make move fast to secure him. He has the strength and technical ability required of a modern day defender and would be an exciting signing for Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
#2 Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias is a 22 year old Portuguese defender who plies his trade for Benfica in the Primeira Liga. He was an integral part of the Benfica team who won the league this season. He made 32 apperences for Benefica in the league also contributing 3 goals and 1 assist. He has also earned 10 caps for the Portugal National team, featuring in the semifinal match against Switzerland in the Nations League.
He is a young and highly talented defender with a lot of potential. He was selected in the team of the tournament in the 2016 U19 UEFA EURO championship for his great performance in the tournament. He was also awarded the best young player award in the Primiera Liga in the 2017-18 season. Manchester United will have to pay quite a large sum to convince Benfica who will be reluctant to let go of him. But it is safe to assume that he won't cost more than what De Ligt could cost them. In Ruben Dias, United will be able to sign a future superstar and also a sound defender the club is in dire need of.
#3 Jerome Boateng
Jerome Boateng is surely not the youngest defender available for sale this summer but there is no questioning the abilities of the German centre-back. He has been one of the best players Bayern Munich in the last few years winning the Champions League with them. He also won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014. He has all the experience that Manchester United need in their defence.
At the moment United's defence is prone to error and Boateng's experience and composure could help in steadying this. The lack of leadership in the squad has also been cited as one of the reasons for their struggles in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson years. This is something which Boateng would surely help change. He can be the leader that could lead United even in tough situations.
Bayern Munich President Uli Hoeness has advised the German to leave the club and look for a challenge as it could help his career. There haven't been any comments from Boateng but he is expected to leave the German champions this summer. Boateng will be available for a cheaper price due to his age factor. The former Manchester CIty man will be a bargain as he has a couple of good years left in him. This cheap option could be very helpful for United who are looking to secure their leaky defence who conceded a lot of goals this season.
