Manchester United are expected to pursue the signing of a centre-back this summer.
Various names have been linked, from World Cup winner Sergio Ramos and his Real Madrid teammate Raphael Varane [MEN] to Jules Kounde [ESPN].
Also on the radar is Brighton defender Ben White, and this suggestion has been met with dampened enthusiasm from supporters.
The MEN claimed last December that United were showing interest in the 23-year-old.
It’s understandable United fans want a big name, but there’s a good case for Ben White too.
White is a defender who has played in three different divisions in the past three seasons, with Brighton loaning him to Newport, Leeds, and then making him a key part of their side this season in the Premier League.
While Marcus Rashford left him flailing on the ground at the Amex back in September, White has largely been a very composed defender who has got better as the season has gone on.
White leads Brighton’s players with 1.7 interceptions per game, a figure only bettered among United’s stars by Harry Maguire (1.8).
In 27 games White has been booked only twice, and is confident in possession, completing an average of more than one successful dribble per game.
He played a key role as Brighton kept clean sheets in wins over Liverpool and Tottenham last month.
Leeds were desperate to sign White last year, having three bids rejected, Talksport claimed. With Marcelo Bielsa’s astute reputation for judging players, seen with his move for Raphinha, that’s worth bearing in mind.
Sure, it might be more exciting for United to sign a big name from abroad, but White has plenty to offer. He knows the Premier League now, and at 23, he is a more forward-thinking option than Varane or Ramos.
White fits the profile of player United want to sign, he’s young, talented, and is a future England international.
How does he fit into spending plans?
While White fits in well from a stylistic perspective at United, the price tag is dependent on other moves.
Brighton want around £50 million, The Sun has previously claimed, and with White signing a new deal at the start of the season, they are in control of his future. It’s possible they may want to cash in to raise funds to strengthen elsewhere, and they will want to land a high price.
Where this fits in with United largely depends on what can be accomplished in attacking positions.
If either Jadon Sancho or Erling Haaland can be bought, then that will lower the amount of money which can be spent on the rest of the squad. Fees raised from player sales will be the key factor.
With United’s defence improving lately, White fits the model of ‘evolution not revolution’.
At 23, he will have time to grow into a role as a regular, amid competition from Maguire, 28, Victor Lindelof, 26, and Eric Bailly, 26.
United’s defence will be set up for a strong future and when Lindelof, Maguire and Bailly are into their 30s, White will be approaching his peak.
If United have £40-50 million to spend on a defender, and aren’t pushed into settling for a cheaper player by big attacking moves, then White is a good option.
Just because he is not a global star who has played in the Champions League, doesn’t mean he should be dismissed as a viable option.
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