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Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world with a rich history of winning trophies. The Red Devils have won the Premier League 20 times and have won the FA Cup on 12 occasions as well.
But, for any team to win such big trophies a strong defense is a necessity and the Manchester United are no exception to it. Over the years they had great defenders such as Steve Bruce, Rio Ferdinand, and Nemajic Vidic to name a few.
Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils have failed to mount a challenge for the Premier League title and their weak back-line is a big reason behind it. Though players such as Eric Bailey and Victor Lindelof have come in, the club clearly needs more defensive reinforcements.
The meteoric rise of Virgil Van Dijk in Merseyside has convinced United fans that they will have to spend big in the transfer market to improve. With their two biggest rivals Manchester City and Liverpool being so dominant, the Red Devils will have to invest heavily to challenge that dominance in the Premier League.
Thus here are five centre back Manchester United could target next summer -
#5 José Giménez (Atletico Madrid)
Jose Gimenez has been one of the best defenders in La Liga for the last few and is only 24-years-old. The Uruguayan is capable of playing at centre back, defensive midfield, and right back as well.
He is a warrior type no-nonsense defender who is good in the air and strong like an ox. The Atletico Madrid defender is good at decision-making and he has shown good leadership skills at the back.
The Red Devils need a player like him, who they can build their back-line around for the long-term. Gimenez could be just that player as he is young and clearly his best years are yet to come.
United were linked with a move for the defender in the summer, but they could renew their interest in him in the next transfer window. Also, Gimenez could consider his future given how Atletico Madrid crashed out of the Champions League and the La Liga title race as well.
#4 Kostas Manolas (AS Roma)
Kostas Manolas is one of the most underrated defenders in the world. The Greek defenders has been one of the stand-out defenders of the Serie A but has not found a lot of praise for his good work.
Monolas has the strength to deal with the physicality of the Premier League while his speed is also good enough to match quick attackers. His passing range is excellent, thus making him a complete center-back.
The former Olympiacos defender can provide the necessary experience and stability at the back that Manchester United need. Also, he is only 27 years old and likely to perform at the top level for several years.
If reports are believed then Roma is preparing for life after Manolas, as he has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus and Bayern Munich. AS Roma has been constantly struggling in the league table and this could tempt him to leave the Stadio Olimpico next season.
#3 Milan Škriniar (Inter Milan)
Milan Škriniar has been nothing short of a revelation since his move from Sampdoria to Inter Milan. He is the most expensive Slovakian player of all time and given his performances it seems like he was definitely worth the money.
Though a central defender, he is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder and is known for his tough tackling. The former MSK Zilina defender possesses adept passing skills as well as high concentration.
He would be a fantastic addition to the Manchester United back-line and is likely to improve with time as he is still young. His talent is quite evident and he could be another long-term option for United.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for him several times and they have identified him as a transfer target as well according to various reports. Inter Milan has failed to challenge for major trophies and the club's exit from the Europa League could prompt him to leave.
#2 Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham)
Toby Alderweireld is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He has made 147 appearances for Tottenham and at the age of 29, he is at the peak of his career
Toby is a very rigid tough defender with a good vision and excellent ability on the ball. He has plenty of experience in the Premier League as well as European football. He also uses his physicality efficiently to control opposition attackers
Manchester United are in search of a defender who can surely provide good defensive cover and stability at the back. Thus, Alderweireld ticks all the boxes and he has a release clause in his contract of €25 million; which was triggered in December.
The 20-time Premier League winners are reportedly ready to activate that clause in the summer and get their man for the new season.
#1 Kalidou Koulibaly (SSC Napoli)
Kalidou Koulibaly is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world by many football experts. The Napoli defender has all the attributes of a top defender and at the age of 27 has barely shown any weakness in his game.
The Senegalese is six feet five inches tall which helps him to dominate his opponent in the air and he has got the strength and pace to complement it as well. He is very comfortable playing out from the back too.
Koulibaly has been a rock a the back for Napoli and United would want him to emulate similar performances for them. His presence in United's back four would definitely improve the team and help them challenge for major trophies.
The former Genk defender has been linked with Manchester United on various occasions, but if the Red Devils will have to pay a massive amount to secure his service as many European giants are after him.
