twenty-one
Manchester United have struggled mightily defensively, conceding the second-most goals en route to a humiliating elimination in the Champions League group stage.
The Red Devils have conceded three or more goals nine times this campaign, five of them at Old Trafford. Coach Erik ten Hag will be desperate to solve this problem.
Injuries have played a major role behind the team’s lackluster performances at the back, and the Dutchman barely had the luxury of picking his strongest back four this season.
They have also had to constantly reorganize their defensive line, which hasn’t helped matters and the future of several stars is also up in the air.
A new defender is needed
Raphael Varane’s current contract ends in 2024 and the club has decided not to activate the one-year extension option due to his huge salary. In its place, a new contract with reduced conditions will be offered.
Jonny Evans initially arrived on a one-year deal, but the manager wants to keep him for a further year, but INEOS will have the final say on this. Harry Maguire’s future is also far from certain.
The 20-time English league champions have been linked with a move for Jean-Clair Todibo, while The Peoples Person recently reported that the English giants are leading the race for Giorgio Scalvini.
Atalanta is fighting to qualify for Europe and is eighth in Serie A and is also alive in both the Coppa Italia and the Europa League.
Alfredo Pedulla, speaking to Sportitalia, revealed that the Bergamo team is in no mood to sell its best players in January and even rejected an official approach from United for the 20-year-old defender.
Scalvini will not leave in January
“There was a Manchester United survey about Giorgio Scalvini, rejected by Atalanta. It will take at least 60 million to get him out of Bergamo, but in this session he will not leave, like Ederson and Koopmeiners.
“The Nerazzurri are involved in three competitions and will not be deprived of these players in January.”
The Italy international has made 23 appearances in all competitions, helping his team keep an impressive eight clean sheets whilst also scoring and assisting one each.
His impressive performances in recent seasons have alerted European elites and fans will be hoping that United can complete this deal in the summer if they are really interested.
United have a great relationship with the Serie A side, having acquired Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund from them.
