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Manchester United fans would have been filled with hope and positivity after a superb end to the 2019-20 Premier League campaign. Manchester United started the new year in eighth place, but a run of 14 unbeaten games in the Premier League, saw the Red Devils finish in third place.
The tables have turned at Manchester United after their dismal start to the 2020-21 Premier League campaign, which has seen them lose two of their opening three fixtures. Manchester United's woes were compounded by their shocking 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.
Most of the criticism that Manchester United received after the Spurs game was aimed at their defensive display, in particular the performance of their club captain Harry Maguire.
Harry Maguire was signed by Manchester United for £80 million from Leicester City in the summer of 2019, a fee that made him the most expensive defender in football history. Manchester United hoped that Harry Maguire would have the same impact at Old Trafford as Virgil Van Dijk has had on Liverpool.
Manchester United were expected to sign a top-quality centre-back this summer to pair with Harry Maguire in the heart of United's defence, but failed to do so. The 20 time champions of England are now in a situation where they may need to sign someone to replace a defender they spent £80 million to sign just last summer.
5 players who could replace Harry Maguire at Manchester United
#5 Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano is one of the biggest young prospects in Europe. The 21-year-old centre-back was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. He was also linked with moves to Barcelona and Arsenal.
The French centre-half is a physical specimen, whose game is based on raw strength and speed, attributes which would stand him in good stead if he were to move to the Premier League.
Upamecano will, however, cost United a fortune, as he has just recently signed a new deal with RB Leipzig, which would keep him at the club till 2023. The France international would be a worthy investment for Manchester United given his age, and his experience in European competitions for Leipzig.
#4 Milan Skriniar
Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar was the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur this summer, who reportedly submitted a €50 million bid to Inter for the Slovakian. Inter Milan were, however, reluctant to let go of their star defender as they seek to challenge Juventus for the Serie A title this season.
Skriniar is a defender from the same ilk as Japp Stam, Steve Bruce or Nemanja Vidic. The 25-year-old is a warrior, a man to put his body on the line for his club, which is the type of player Manchester United have craved since the departure of Vidic in 2014.
Skriniar would cost United north of €50 million, but given his style of play, age, and profile, Red Devils could consider pursuing a deal for the defender.
#3 Samuel Umtiti
Samuel Umtiti
Many might question the inclusion of Samuel Umtiti in this list due to his injury-ridden time at Barcelona, where he has fallen down the pecking order. Umtiti is, however, a World Cup and Champions League winner.
The 26-year-old was one of the best defenders in the world a few years ago, before suffering from injuries at Barcelona. Umtiti was heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona this season to Arsenal and Manchester United, after reportedly being told by manager Ronald Koeman that he is not a part of the Dutchman's plans.
Samuel Umtiti is a Barcelona player at the moment but will be seeking a move away from the club if he does not see regular playing time. Umtiti is a physically imposing and fleet-footed centre-back, the type of player Manchester United need to shore up their defence.
#2 Diego Carlos
Diego Carlos had a brilliant season with Sevilla, where he led the club to a Europa League triumph. Carlos was particularly impressive in the knockout phases of the Europa League against Manchester United, and in the finals against Inter Milan.
The Brazilian, like Milan Skriniar, is a warrior, and is blessed with great strength and speed for a man of his size. The 27-year-old is reaching the peak of his career and might fancy a move to the Premier League, where he will test his abilities and receive a huge pay day.
Diego Carlos could an immediate replacement for Harry Maguire at Manchester United, due to his experience and his age. Carlos would also cost significantly lesser than Upamecano and Skriniar, therefore making him a very viable option for United.
#1 Pau Torres
Pau Torres is a much lesser known player that the above mentioned defenders on this list, but was one of the break-out stars of the 2019-20 La Liga season.
The Villarreal defender is a technically gifted player who is comfortable on the ball, and at 6 foot 3 he is also a physical presence on the football pitch. Manchester United have always favored signing defenders who are comfortable on the ball, and can initiate attacks from defense.
Torres is, however, quite inexperienced at the top level of football, having played on a single season in La Liga for Villarreal. Torres would be a signing for the future, one that can develop at Manchester United into a top quality player in years to come, but would not be an immediate replacement for Harry Maguire.
