It turns out that Erik ten Hag hinted that he would be pleased with his characteristics as a centre-back if Manchester United did not sign Matthijs de Ligt or Jarrd Branthwaite before the summer transfer window closed.
The Red Devils lost 3-0 to Liverpool in their final pre-season friendly in the United States early Sunday morning, but suffered physical problems when Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof came off at half-time.
Ten Hag later explained that Evans’ withdrawal due to illness, while Lindelof was a precaution. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire missed just one minute of play to avoid a threat of injury, with new signing Leny Yoro out for months.
United signed Yoro from Lille last month for a fee of up to £59m. But Ten Hag insists the club have “good options” in central defense despite having another player in the position.
Personal terms are agreed with De Ligt, but Bayern Munich is not easy for the Dutchman. £42 million. Everton are expecting £70m for Branthwaite after rejecting a United offer of £35m plus £8m in add-ons.
“We have smart characteristics as a centre-back,” Ten Hag said after the loss to Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina. “Harry Maguire is also a precaution.
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“Jonny Evans is sick and we had to take him off at half-time. Licha Martinez, a Copa America winner who has played every game there, is back, so I think he’s in very smart shape. We have smart functions and functions in the center midfield position.
United have several players returning from Euro 2024 and Copa America, Martinez, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
Asked if they would be fit to start the new season against Fulham on Friday, Ten Hag added: “I think so. They were very willing to arrive early because everyone needs to be a part of it for next season. “. game. “
But while he insisted he was satisfied with his current number of defenders, the United manager cautioned that he was still looking to build his team. A central midfielder and a right-back are also being sought.
Manuel Ugarte, of Paris Saint-Germain, and Noussair Mazraoui, defender of Bayern Munich, are targets, and the Moroccan will fly to Manchester next Tuesday to undergo a medical examination.
“It’s hard to say,” Ten Hag said when asked if he wanted to make any further adjustments to his United team. “We’re still waiting and watching.
“We have noticed that this new control team is really interested in doing business and closing deals. They are there and if the time is right and the opportunities are there, I don’t know, I can’t say at this moment. But I’m sure that when They get there, they are going to move forward.
United now return to England after their defeat to Liverpool, following a draw with Arsenal and a victory over Real Betis in the United States.
The Red Devils’ next opponent will be Manchester City, winners of the Premier League Community Shield, at Wembley next Saturday (3:00 p. m. ).
United closed the 2023-24 campaign by beating their noisy neighbors 2-1 in the FA Cup final at the same stadium at the end of May, and will be hoping for a result here.
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