Manchester United's defense exposed after conceding 21 goals, aiming to sign a free Premier League defender next summer! Amourin keen on signing his trusted player

Manchester United’s goal-scoring ability has long been criticized, but this season it seems improved, ranking among the top in goals scored. However, conceding 21 goals in 14 matches has become a concern, tying with Liverpool for the worst among the top ten teams. Additionally, the Red Devils have only kept a clean sheet against Sunderland this season. Therefore, "Jingji Net" revealed that signing another center-back next year is part of the plan.

This is especially important considering 32-year-old Maguire’s contract is about to expire, Lenny Yaro’s inexperience leading to repeated mistakes, and the possibility of injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw at any time.

Although many believe the midfield is the main cause of Manchester United’s defensive instability, in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, several center-backs made frequent errors, repeatedly allowing one-on-one chances. If the home team had been more clinical, the Red Devils might have conceded two or three goals by halftime. Amourin substituted young Yaro in the second half, which left the French defender quite frustrated.

In the match against West Ham United, Lenny was on the bench, and youngster Eden Haven started but also performed poorly. After 45 minutes, Haven had zero successful duels and tackles, only 10 passes with 4 misplaced. Amourin had no choice but to bring Yaro back on.

If seeking a cost-effective new center-back, England international Marc Guéhi is definitely among the top choices. The Crystal Palace defender’s contract ends this season, with renewal nearly impossible. He can transfer freely next summer without a fee, only requiring a signing bonus. Although Guéhi came close to joining Liverpool in the last transfer window, Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes to try and snap him up next year.

The 25-year-old Guéhi is right-footed but can also play left center-back. He is very familiar with the three-center-back system at Crystal Palace, making him well-suited for Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation requirements.

However, acquiring Guéhi will not be easy, especially since, according to FIFA transfer rules, European giants like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid can openly negotiate and even pre-sign contracts with him from January 1st, while Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool must wait until next summer to take official action.

Sources told Sky Sports UK that if Guéhi transfers in the winter window, Liverpool would be his only destination, as Manchester United and other top clubs do not plan to buy a center-back then. Liverpool, currently struggling, urgently need defenders, especially with Konaté’s contract renewal stalling, and coach Jürgen Klopp wants to sign Guéhi as soon as possible.

Interestingly, if Crystal Palace decides to sell Guéhi in the January transfer window, it might involve another Manchester United target defender — Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande. The "London Eagles" see Diomande as Guéhi’s primary replacement and would buy him once the England international leaves.

Diomande is also eager to move to the Premier League. His contract with Sporting runs until 2027, but renewal talks have stalled, and he is likely to be sold next year. Manchester United has been linked with the Ivorian defender for the past two years, especially since Amorim had a good working relationship with him.

According to Portuguese media "A Bola," Manchester United is now considering signing Diomande, with Newcastle United also showing interest. Diomande’s price is estimated around 50 million euros. If given a choice, Diomande would probably prefer moving to Manchester United over Crystal Palace or Newcastle, not only because of Amorim but also due to United’s stature and history.

In the three-center-back system, the 22-year-old player, who just turned 22 this week, can play both left and right sides. He relies on his physicality and football intelligence and also possesses good ball control skills. Although Diomande is right-footed, unlike Ten Hag, Amorim does not necessarily require a left-footed player for the left center-back position.