Defensive reinforcements will be at the forefront of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s mind as he liaises with his team over Manchester United’s summer shortlist.
This season’s debilitating injury crisis at Old Trafford has undoubtedly hit the backline the hardest, with every defender except Diogo Dalot missing at least one game through illness or a fitness complaint thus far.
Now that the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala are all sidelined, Casemiro has been made to deputise in the past two matches alongside Harry Maguire at centre-back.
As it stands, experienced duo Varane and Evans will leave in June when their contracts expire. It remains to be seen if the latter will be kept for depth in the squad, while the former is unlikely to be offered an extension given his costly wages of £340,000 per week.
United’s centre-half target seeing out final months of contract
Meanwhile, United have recently found themselves linked with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, who is a product of Manchester City’s academy.
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and despite the Cottagers’ best efforts to keep him long-term, Fabrizio Romano revealed today that the player has decided to leave when his deal expires, providing the Reds with a lucrative opportunity to snap up a Premier League-proven player for free.
🚨⚪️ EXCL: Tosin Adarabioyo will leave Fulham as free agent at the end of the season as he’s already informed the club. Final decision made.
Despite new contract proposals, Tosin decides to leave and he will be available as free agent with several clubs keen on signing him. pic.twitter.com/IanmjQNGyN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 26, 2024
Adarabioyo has spent four years with Fulham and prior to that, he gained experience with both West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers on loan. He made only eight first-team appearances for City before completing a £2 million move to the West London outfit.