Manchester United have now entered contention to sign Newcastle United centre-back Malick Thiaw, amid the recent criticism of Michael Carrick‘s defence.
Gary Neville has suggested Man United’s backline could harm their chances of having a successful season, saying after the recent 2-2 draw against Everton: “I don’t think it’s going to go away and that’s my big fear.
“I think conceding goals is going to chase them and hunt them down the road and I don’t know how Michael deals with it because he’s got his best back four on the pitch. I don’t know why Shaw went off with five minutes to go – hopefully he’s not injured.”
Only four sides have shipped more goals than the Red Devils in the Premier League so far this season, with the 2-2 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium taking their tally to six.
As such, it may be a savvy move for Carrick to improve his defensive options, not least because he has two centre-backs whose current contracts are set to expire at the end of the season.
|
Man Utd’s centre-back options |
Age |
Contract expiry |
|
Leny Yoro |
20 |
2029 |
|
Lisandro Martinez |
28 |
2027 (extra one year option) |
|
Matthijs de Ligt |
27 |
2029 |
|
Ayden Heaven |
19 |
2029 |
|
Harry Maguire |
33 |
2027 (extra one year option) |
Thiaw could be the answer to United’s problems, given that he is a well-rounded centre-back, according to former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who said: “Malick is an outstanding talent and has a little bit of everything in his game.”
Since joining the Magpies last summer, the German has established himself as an important player, appearing for 2,964 minutes in the Premier League last season, the highest number in the squad, and he has scored a total of four goals in 38 top flight matches.
Moreover, the 25-year-old has also impressed from a defensive point of view, averaging 5.0 clearances per 90 in the Premier League this term, which is more than any other member of Matthias Jaissle’s squad.
Man Utd enter the race to sign Malick Thiaw
According to a report from Caught Offside, Man United have entered contention to sign Thiaw, and they are now monitoring his performances for Newcastle, but there is set to be competition from rivals Liverpool.
Both sides are assessing potential centre-back signings ahead of 2027, but the Magpies are reluctant to sanction a departure, and it could take around £65m – £70m to tempt them into a sale.
Jaissle’s side remain in a strong negotiating position too, as the Germany international remains under contract until 2029, after penning a four-year deal when he joined from AC Milan last summer.
As such, both Man United and Liverpool could find it difficult to get deals done next year, but their interest is only tentative at this stage.
