Manchester United 'want new centre-back in January'

Manchester United are reportedly determined to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils made seven signings during the summer, but they focused on other areas of the pitch rather than central defence.

As a result, their only new centre-back was former player Jonny Evans, who signed on a free transfer following his departure from Leicester City.

Man United have recently seen their backline affected by injuries to their first-choice central defensive pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Varane missed Saturday's win over Brentford with a "minor issue", while Martinez has missed the last five matches with a foot injury.

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Although Erik ten Hag can call upon the likes of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Evans as backup options, their defence has proven to be a weakness this season after keeping just two clean sheets in seven Premier League matches.

Having struggled defensively this term, Football Insider are reporting that Man United will attempt to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.

The report claims that Goncalo Inacio has been identified as a potential target after sending scouts to watch the Sporting Lisbon defender in action.

Inacio, who rose through the youth ranks at Sporting, has made 131 competitive appearances for the Portuguese club, chipping in with 11 goals.

Despite being under contract until the summer of June 2027, there is a belief that Sporting are resigned to losing the 22-year-old, especially with Liverpool set to rival Man United for his signature.

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In a separate report, the Manchester Evening News stated that Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba is also on Man United's radar.

The Red Devils showed an interest in the defender in the summer, and there is a possibility they could renew their pursuit in the winter transfer window.

While Man United may have a couple of targets in mind, they will reportedly need to raise funds through player sales before they can buy a new central defender.

After being linked with departures over the summer, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay could be the players to make way in January.

However, McTominay staked his claim to remain as a Man United player after he came off the bench to guide Man United to a 2-1 victory over Brentford with a stoppage-time brace in Saturday's home contest.