Man United considering defensive revamp in the summer – source،
Manchester United are considering an overhaul of their defense this summer, a source has told ESPN.
United insist it's “business as usual” as they wait for INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25% stake to be ratified by the Premier League and have begun drawing up plans for the summer transfer window.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
The deal is expected to get the green light in February and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford has been attending meetings at Carrington during the interim period. Brailsford are looking to make appointments in key recruitment positions, but director of football John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag are already looking ahead to the summer.
According to a source, there have been discussions about the need to make changes to United's defense with players leaving and arriving.
Raphaël Varane's future is uncertain after United decided not to extend his contract by another year and the Frenchman could leave Old Trafford as a free agent in June.
Jonny Evans is also out of contract this summer while Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire could also leave if big deals arrive.
United, according to a source, have a stake in Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo.
Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey also has admirers after impressing in Champions League clashes against United this season.
Ahead of the summer, United are also paying particular attention to players who will be out of contract in June 2025.
Mason Mount was signed last summer as the England midfielder entered the final year of his contract and Chelsea and United believe they can take advantage of similar situations at the end of the current campaign.
Meanwhile, a United source has denied claims that Anthony Martial was exiled from the first team by Ten Hag and ordered to train alone.
The Frenchman has been out for more than a month due to illness and injury and has been linked with a move away from the club in January. He is out of contract this summer but is expected to stay at United beyond the transfer deadline on February 1.
