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#1 Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax)
It seems ages ago since Manchester United have had defensive solidity in the past few seasons. Frankly speaking, the Red Devils haven't had a tough, sturdy and resilient defensive partnership since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left the club.
In spite of Jose Mourinho's incessant insistence, Ed Woodward turned a blind eye to the Portuguese manager's requirement, and pretty much paid the consequences later. United conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season - apparently the worst tally amongst the top six.
Now, the Red Devils are more than keen to rectify their mistake and do what needs to be done.
United are battling a number of European heavyweights for the signature of Matthijs de Ligt, who is the hottest young property in the continent at the moment. At just 19 years of age, the Dutchman has displayed maturity that belies his age and makes him once-in-a-generation kind of player.
De Ligt has great defensive attributes and is a leader at the back, whic makes him a tailor-made solution to United's defensive struggles. However, the absence of Champions League football might deter him from making a move to Old Trafford. The youngster captained a young Ajax side to the Champions League semi-finals and wouldn't surely like to miss out on the competition.
All the same, if United can sway his decision by offering a better pay package, they should certainly do so, as they will secure a top player, who can stay at Old Trafford for the long term.
