5 center backs Manchester United can target to challenge for the title next season

#2 Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen)

Its quite close between the next 2 players on the list, and Edmond Tapsoba might well be one of Manchester United’s best center back options in the summer.

The 22-year-old, only signed last summer by Leverkusen from Portuguese side Vitoria, is already one of the most exciting young talents in a league filled to the brim with potential superstars.

The Burkina Faso international has already become a mainstay in the Leverkusen lineup, and has already risen up the pecking order ahead of other rising stars like Jonathan Tah (who was himself being targeted by Europe’s elite a few years back).

Tapsoba has played in a variety of different defensive styles, and is equally comfortable in a team that sits deep, or one that holds a high line. He’s gifted with impressive pace for a defender, and is excellent at winning aerial duels.

There are still some chinks in his game, but that is to be expected from a player of his age. Playing alongside an experienced pro like Maguire will help him improve his game, while he also has the abilities to mask some of Maguire’s shortcomings.