Manchester United to Strengthen at the Back?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come into Old Trafford as a replacement for Jose Mourinho and worked wonders in his first four games in charge of the team.  The Norwegian has led the Red Devils to four straight wins in the Premier League, making him only the second manager in the history of the club to win his first four games.

However, there is a feeling Manchester United have not been severely tested during a run of matches against Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Bournemouth and Newcastle United.

Manchester United have scored plenty of goals in those four games but the one area of the team which remains a problem is the defence.  There was just one clean sheet across those four games, which came at Newcastle United and in truth, there were some shaky moments at the back at St James’ Park.

Victor Lindelof appears to the main man at the heart of the United defence but he has struggled for a partner in recent games.  Eric Bailly was sent off for a poor challenge against Bournemouth and Phil Jones made too many errors against Newcastle United which could have led to a goal.

This may see Solskjaer look to the transfer market in January to sign a defender but who is available for the Manchester United caretaker manager?

Alderweireld Linked Again

The Red Devils travel to Wembley to take on Tottenham Hotspur in their next game and that could be their source for a defender.  Toby Alderweireld has long been linked with a move away from Spurs and his contract extension means he is available for £25 million.  Strong rumours suggest Mourinho tried to sign him in the summer and BetVictor offer 3/1 for the Belgian to be a Manchester United player come the end of January.

One of England’s Finest

Another current Premier League defender who was linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer is Harry Maguire.  The Leicester City man enjoyed a great World Cup with England in the summer and this brought him to the attention of the Red Devils.

Maguire will command a much higher fee than Alderweireld but is four years younger and wages may be less of an issue.  You can back Maguire to leave Leicester City for Manchester United in the January transfer window at 9/4 with Betfair.

Neapolitan Rock

Outside the Premier League, reports have suggested a potential move for Napoli central defender Kalidou Koulibaly.  The Senegal international has been one of the top performers for Napoli in recent years and impressed in recent Champions League games against Liverpool.

At 27 years of age, Koulibaly is approaching his prime and is not only a strong  defender but also good with the ball.  BetWay offer 6/1 for Koulibaly to join Manchester United before the end of the winter transfer window.