Manchester United are unlikely to make signing a new centre-back their top priority this summer, journalist Sully has reported, with INEOS instead channeling their transfer focus towards strengthening midfield, securing a left-back, and potentially adding a goalkeeper. This strategy comes even though three of the club’s five senior central defenders are facing fitness concerns as pre-season approaches.
After finishing third in the Premier League last season, United have acted swiftly to identify key areas requiring improvement. The club has already agreed a fee for Brazilian midfielder Éderson (26), marking the first confirmed signing in what appears to be a midfield-heavy transfer window. Despite evident issues in defence, INEOS do not view that department as the most pressing concern.
Sully explained clearly: “Centre back is a position which isn’t as high on the priority list as others, but it is being assessed. When you look at our squad on paper, we have five senior centre backs: Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro.” While that list suggests depth, the reality is more fragile.
Martínez and Maguire (33) both have recurring injury histories, and de Ligt is recovering from back surgery performed in May, with his rehabilitation expected to take up to ten months. That timeline could rule him out for the entire pre-season and possibly a large part of the early campaign. Sully added, “There is an argument to be made that Martínez and Maguire have injury issues and de Ligt is still in rehab, so a centre-back could be needed, but as things stand, other positions are above it.”
United’s current central defensive depth effectively depends on Leny Yoro (20), who started 37 of 38 league games last season, and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven, who made 14 appearances. Both have performed admirably, but relying on such a young pair to anchor the defence through another full season—considering de Ligt’s uncertain comeback and Maguire’s expiring contract—presents a major risk.
The five senior centre-backs currently on United’s books have cost the club around £235 million in transfer fees and collectively earn approximately £650,000 per week. This financial picture explains INEOS’s hesitancy. Omar Berrada has emphasised that the group will take a disciplined and methodical approach to spending this summer, making it difficult to justify additional major investment in an area that already represents one of the costliest sections of the squad, even if injuries remain a concern.
Midfield, however, is where United’s main efforts will lie. The club has reportedly agreed personal terms with Mateus Fernandes (21) and is negotiating with West Ham, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Alex Scott have also been shortlisted. Reinforcements at left back—where Lewis Hall has been linked—and possibly a new goalkeeper to replace Altay Bayindir also feature prominently on the club’s agenda. Sully notes that while one or two centre-back options might be evaluated, such moves will only follow after higher-priority deals are settled.
Both Maguire and Martínez have contracts expiring at the end of the upcoming season, suggesting that the summer of 2026 could be the more logical point for a defensive overhaul rather than making an expensive addition now. Reports indicate that INEOS are already planning for that eventuality, with a more decisive move for a central defender postponed until the next transfer window.
That long-term plan, however, depends heavily on Yoro and Heaven staying fit and consistent throughout the season—a significant reliance for a club competing on multiple fronts in England and Europe. Whether de Ligt’s recovery progresses as expected, and Maguire and Martínez maintain availability, will be key factors in determining if United’s current restraint holds or if unexpected setbacks force a late return to the market before the window closes.
