Erik ten Hag appears to have suggested he will be satisfied with his options at centre-back if Manchester United do not sign Matthijs de Ligt, or Jarrd Branthwaite, before the summer transfer window closes.
The Red Devils lost 3-0 to Liverpool in their final pre-season friendly in the United States in the early hours of Sunday morning but suffered more fitness concerns as Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof came off at half-time.
Ten Hag later explained that the Evans’ withdrawal was due to illness while Lindelof’s was a precaution. Harry Maguire meanwhile missed out on playing a single minute to avoid risking injury, with new signing Leny Yoro facing months out.
United signed Yoro from Lille just last month in a deal worth up to £59million. But Ten Hag insists the club have “good options” in central defence despite their pursuit of another player in the position.
Personal terms are agreed with De Ligt but Bayern Munich are demanding £42m for the Dutchman. Everton are holding out for £70m for Branthwaite after rejecting a United bid of £35m plus £8m in add-ons.
“We have good options there in the centre-back position,” said Ten Hag after the loss to Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina. “Harry Maguire was also a precaution.
“Jonny Evans was ill and we had to take him out at half-time. Licha Martinez is coming back, a Copa America winner who played all the games there, so I think he’s in very good form. We have options and good options in the centre-half position.”
United have several players returning from Euro 2024 and the Copa America – namely Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Asked if they will be ready to start the new season against Fulham a week on Friday, Ten Hag added: “I think so, yes. They were so eager to come in earlier, because they all want to be part of it for the next game.”
But despite insisting he’s pleased with his current selection of defenders, the United manager then suggested he’s still keen on adding to his squad. A central midfielder and a right-back are also wanted.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte and Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui are known targets with the Moroccan said to be flying to Manchester next Tuesday for a medical.
“It’s always difficult to say,” said Ten Hag when asked if he wants to make more changes to his United team. “We hope and we’re always looking.
“We’ve seen this new leadership team is really eager to do business and to make deals. They’re on it and if the timing is there and the opportunities are there, I don’t know, I can’t say at this moment. But I’m sure, when they are there, they will go forward.”
United fly home to England now after their loss to Liverpool, which followed a draw with Arsenal and victory over Real Betis in the USA.
Next up for the Red Devils is the Community Shield against Premier League winners Manchester City at Wembley next Saturday (3pm).
United rounded off the 2023-24 campaign by beating their noisy neighbours 2-1 in the FA Cup final at the same stadium at the end of May, and will hope for a similar result here.
