'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United endured a nightmarish 2018/19 season under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho. The club finished sixth and failed to claim even a single trophy.
Solskjaer did offer fresh hope earlier on during his tenure as an interim manager, winning several consecutive matches and miraculously defeating PSG in the Champions League round of 16. Nevertheless, the fans expect quality reinforcements following United's disastrous season.
According to reports, the Red Devils have been closely linked to Leicester star Harry Maguire. The 26-year-old has gathered interest from across Europe following his impressive spell with Leicester. It is no secret that the Premier League side have lingering defensive problems. Thus, Maguire is expected to strengthen their backline.
However, the defender's massive valuation could turn out to be a major stumbling block for the Red Devils, as Leicester is likely to demand more than €70 million for the player. On the other hand, United also have many more areas which need to be strengthened. Thus, it may be better for the team to look for a cheaper alternative to Harry Maguire.
Here, we take a look at 3 such alternatives the club should consider.
#1 Toby Alderweireld
Since arriving at Tottenham Hotspur 4 years ago, the Belgian defender has made his name as one of the best defenders in Europe. He led his team to a second place finish in the 2016/17 campaign, amassing more than 30 league appearances.
He also became a standout performer for Spur's magical 2018/19 Champions League journey, making 12 appearances as a starter throughout the competition. Many European top clubs have recently gathered interest for the 30-year-old, due to the player's bargain release clause.
Available for just £25 million, Alderweireld would be an exciting signing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Belgian star is an imposing defender who is capable of making pinpoint passes.
He has more than 5 years of experience as a regular in the European top-flight. Although he has passed his 30, Alderweireld would be a quick and cheap fix for United's defensive woes. Hence, he might be worth to consider.
#2 Ruben Dias
The Benfica starlet is one of the most promising defenders available in the market at the moment. Dias has quickly established himself as a regular for Benfica senior team since coming from the club's academy. He amassed more than 55 appearances as a starter in his last 2 seasons, scoring a total of 6 goals.
He became an integral part for Benfica's recent Primera Liga triumph, and his excellent displays have led to attention from numerous top clubs such as Juventus. Dias also impressed in other competitions, as he featured prominently in Benfica's Europa and Champions League spells.
His reputation has soared even more since he played a key role in Portugal's UEFA Nations League triumph. It is understandable that the 22-year-old will cost United a large chunk of money, but the Red Devils can rest assured that they will not pay more than what Maguire could cost.
Dias's buyout clause stands at €60 million, and United might want to act as soon as possible before Benfica extends the starlet's contract.
#3 Armando Izzo
It is no secret that Serie A is the home of Europe's best defenders. Joining Torino for a mere €8 million in 2018, Armando Izzo has quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the Italian top division. He endured tough seasons at Genoa due to a string of injuries, making just 16 appearances in the 2017/18 campaign.
However, Walter Mazzari remain faithful of the defender's enormous potential. Izzo became an instant hit for Torino, amassing no less than 37 appearances as a starter in his debut season. Torino just conceded 37 goals last term, with only top clubs such as Juventus, Napoli and the Milan duo having a better record.
A no-nonsense defender with an all-around defensive capability, Izzo would be a valuable asset for United. He recorded impressive 2.1 tackles, 2.4 intercepts and 3.8 clearances per game. The Italian also excels in aerial battles, winning 3.2 aerial duels on average last term. He would be available for around €30 million.
