£38.8m star signed for Chelsea after Man Utd links, now it’s all gone wrong

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Manchester United decided to wait until this summer to sign a centre-back, and it has worked out despite struggles in 2023/24.

Erik ten Hag’s second summer in charge of Manchester United was an interesting time. There were holes all over the pitch to address, and a limited budget to do so.

This budget was further slashed by the decision to sign Mason Mount, at a position that was not really a priority.

It meant that once a goalkeeper and striker were signed, there was simply nothing left to put towards a defender, leading to the free agent signing of Jonny Evans, which ended up working pretty well.

United were linked to Axel Disasi

One defender Manchester United were linked with a move for, in the lead-up to summer 2023, was Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi.

French newspaper L’Equipe claimed in June 2023 that Disasi’s heart was set on a move to Manchester United, with interest dating back to January reported by The Mail.

Manchester United’s finances did not stretch to signing a centre-back so the club stood by and watched as Disasi signed for Chelsea.

Whether he would have been first choice at United was another matter, but Disasi was on the list as a possibility, a France international ready for the next step in his career.

Chelsea paid £38.8 million to sign Disasi, and the centre-back made 29 Premier League starts last season under Mauricio Pochettino as the Blues ended up finishing fifth.

But it has not been smooth-sailing for the former Monaco defender, who displayed some bumpy form during the season and did not send a message to Manchester United that they were wrong not to prioritise him.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Axel Disasi now heading for exit

Axel Disasi’s time at Chelsea could be coming to an end after just one season, amid another change in manager, and strategy.

The Guardian report manager Enzo Maresca is not counting on Disasi heading into the season and he has been made available for transfer. Newcastle are being linked with a move.

Manchester United meanwhile, won’t blink. This is not an opportunity to pay attention to.

This summer the club have signed two new centre-backs, both of who are superior players to Disasi.

Leny Yoro is the outstanding prospect in French football, lauded as a generational talent, while Matthijs de Ligt is a proven performer, among the best defenders in Europe.

Despite the injury battles in defence which contributed to a difficult season, United won’t have any misgivings about skipping on Disasi.