Ten Hag decides first Man Utd signing for 2024 as ‘discussions’ come to light

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants to sign a new centre-back in 2024 after failing to do so this summer, according to reports. The Red Devils are said to be tracking at least three players they may pursue next year.

United spent around £190million on new signings in the recent transfer window. Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana were the three big arrivals at Old Trafford.

However, Ten Hag was unable to make any major additions in the middle of defence. Harry Maguire turned down a move to West Ham, which would have freed up funds to bring in a new player.

Jonny Evans was re-signed on a short-term deal and he has been used perhaps more than anyone expected so far this season. But Ten Hag is still not content with the options he has at the back.

Read more… Man Utd’s injury crisis deepens with nightmare Lisandro Martinez update

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims discussions have already begun internally at United about signing a centre-back in 2024. He says it is more likely United will pursue such a player next summer but hasn’t ruled out movement in the January window.

Benjamin Pavard was a target this summer but he has since joined Inter Milan from Bayern Munich and is no longer on United’s radar. Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo remains on the Red Devils’ shortlist following his impressive couple of years in France.

Romano says Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba is another player United are looking at. However, he only signed a new long-term contract with the German club early in September to tie him down until 2028.

A younger option United are also said to be looking at his Benfica star Antonio Silva. He doesn’t turn 20 until the end of October but is a player Romano says is being scouted by United.

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Defence has been an area for concern for United this season. Raphael Varane spent several weeks on the sidelines with an injury he sustained against Nottingham Forest.

The Frenchman has now returned to fitness, as has Maguire who had an injury of his own. But United were dealt a huge blow this week when Lisandro Martinez was confirmed to be out for around two months with a foot problem.

It is the same injury which saw him miss the end of last season. Ten Hag said of the news: “That’s really sad, disappointing news.

“He has to go through the same process and I’m really sorry for him. The squad will miss him. As you know, we have more injuries, so we always have to deal with it as a squad. As a club, we have to deal with injuries.”

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