Opinion: Manchester United need to sort out their defensive problems soon

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks dejected during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Manchester United at John Smith's Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks dejected during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Manchester United at John Smith's Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Manchester United have been linked with a centre-back all through the summer. But the Red Devils have failed to land a target yet. Their right-back situation took a huge hit at the USA tour.

Jose Mourinho’s main agenda for this transfer window was to improve his defence to give David De Gea a better sense of security in front of him. But the club has failed to land any of their targets.

Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld was said to be on top of the gaffer’s wish-list. Initial talks were stalled as the player left for Russia and finished 3rd with Belgium.

Daniel Levy is a strict negotiator and valued the defender at £60 million. But Manchester United aren’t ready to match the price for someone who could be available for £25 million next summer.

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Harry Maguire soon became Mourinho’s subject of interest. The Red Devils are ready to splash £60 million on the English defender. But Leicester City is making every attempt to keep hold of him.

Farewell, Rojo

According to reports, Rojo is set to be offloaded to make way for Maguire. Wolves are in pole position to land the player. But the move will only go through if Manchester United sign a defender before August 9.

The centre-back isn’t their only defensive concern. Antonio Valencia and Diogo Dalot are set to miss the beginning of next season.

The Ecuadorian picked up a calf injury during a match on the USA tour while Dalot is yet to recover from last season’s injury.

Darmian was likely to start against Leicester City on the opening day of the Premier League. But the Italian international is hoping to force a move before the season’s begin.

In an interview with ESPN FC,  the 28-year old is hoping to return to Serie A with Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan interested in him.

Who do you think Manchester United should sign to solve their defensive issues?

To be fair, Manchester United are in a crisis situation. Jose Mourinho has around 10 days to secure signings as the transfer window closes early this summer. Can the United gaffer turn Manchester United fortunes around with the existing squad?