Detailing the potential options Man United could choose from in their hunt to sign a left-footed centre-back in the summer, Reddit user EquivalentNews9701 wrote: “I think Ole ideally wants a left-footed CB for balance when playing out of the back. Hendo/DDG are both right-footed, so is Bailly/Lindelof/AWB/Maguire.
“The Maguire/Lindelof partnership is decent but most do not think it's got title-winning quality or balance. Also, now that Rojo has gone, we don't have a single left-footed CB.
“Shaw could do a job as one, but that would be wasting his creative ability. Matic could also be one, but he cannot play 40+ games a season. Here are some (what I feel are) realistic suggestions for a left-footed CB.”
Alessandro Bastoni
“Bastoni of Inter Milan. Italian. 21 yrs old. 2 yrs left on his contract. Very competent on the ball. Transfermarkt has him valued at 50m. Will he be tempted by us if Inter win the league? Will Inter listen to offer sell now that UCL football looks certain for them next season? However, there are some issues with their current Chinese owners I believe.”
Mario Hermoso
“Mario Hermoso of Atletico. Spanish.25 yrs old. Reasonably quick. Good on the ball. Shithouse master. Would cost a big chunk too but I don't think Atletico would jump to sell him. Plays LB too. Contracted until 2024. Will he be tempted to come if Atleti win La Liga? At least £50 m I reckon.”
Alessio Romagnoli
“Romagnoli of AC Milan. Italian. Only 1 year left on contract. 26 years old. Staple in AC team. Decently quick, good on the ball. Transfermarkt values at around £30 mln. Club captain. Good leader. AC look secure for UCL places, so there might not be a big need to sell.”
Sven Botman
“Sven Botman. 21. Dutch. Lille's starting CB (2nd in Ligue 1 atm). 6 ft 4 monster. Signed for Lille in the summer from Ajax for 8mln and has 4 yrs left on contract. Maybe could be bought for cheaper than expected because of Ligue 1 financial problems. At a guess, could be around £30 m?
“Most realistic option I feel is Botman. But he's a relatively new signing for Lille and Ligue 1 isnt a great league for defenders.”
