Image Credits: Getty Images
Manchester United have had a tough season when it comes to the defence.
Despite replacing David de Gea with Andre Onana, the defensive stats for the season have been the worst on record. In fact, only Sheffield United have conceded more shots in the English Premier League than Manchester United.
With the club announcing that Raphael Varane will be leaving the club in the summer on a free transfer, fans are concerned as to what the future holds in the defensive line. Lisandro Martinez has had an injury ravaged season, Harry Maguire has had a mixed career at United and the likes of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are surely going to have their futures assessed in the summer. So it’s looking to be another summer of rebuilding when it comes to the defence.
One of the names recently linked to United is Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo. The former Manchester City youngster has been one of the standout performances for the London side and is set to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer. Numerous clubs have been linked to the defender, with Manchester United reportedly battling the likes of Newcastle United for his signature.
Now, HITC have provided an update on the potential transfer of Adarabioyo to United.
The online publication reports that the potential transfer to Manchester is complicated due to uncertainty around the future of the current manager. Erik ten Hag has been under increasing pressure as United are on course to set their worst ever finish to an English Premier League season. Numerous pundits have questioned his future and it seems that this is impacting the decision for Adarabioyo.
This news has meant that Newcastle United are now seemingly frontrunners to sign the 26 year old. HITC are stating that Man Utd are not providing any assurances that ten Hag will be in the managerial seat for next season and this is clearly having ramifications on this transfer. Apparently, the decision on Erik ten Hag’s future is set to take place in the coming weeks according to their sources.
Missing out on Adarabioyo would be a missed opportunity. Replacing Varane, who is leaving on a free, with a proven English Premier League defender on another free transfer is a no-brainer. Adarabioyo is in the prime of his career and should have his best years ahead of him at centre back. Even if he’s used as a squad rotation option, he’d be a good transfer option for the club. However, it seems that the uncertainty at the club means that United could be set to lose out to another United in the shape of Newcastle for the player’s signature.
