Five centre-backs Man United have been linked to for 2025, including £51m star loved by Ruben Amorim

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A new centre-back will be on Manchester United’s shopping list for 2025.

Ineos will continue to overhaul Manchester United’s squad as we head into 2025 and it is the first opportunity for Ruben Amorim to have his say.

Improving the defence was a top priority in the summer of 2024 when the likes of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arrived, and it will be on the agenda again in 2025.

That is because Jonny Evans will likely leave United while Victor Lindelof has been linked with an exit. Harry Maguire has had “positive” talks over a new deal but continues to be rumoured with a move away too.

With departures likely, here are five centre-back targets who have been linked to the Red Devils for 2025.

Jarrad Branthwaite

In the summer, Jarrad Branthwaite wanted to join United after Ineos made him a top defensive target.

However, United were unable to get a deal over the line and instead turned their attention to Yoro and De Ligt.

But United remain interested in Branthwaite ahead of 2025 and have reportedly even held talks over a potential deal.

Jarrad Branthwaite is still under contract until 2027 but Everton may be tempted to lower their asking price and cash in to avoid losing him as a free agent in a few years’ time.

Tomas Araujo

Another defender on United’s radar is 22-year-old Tomas Araujo, who plays for Amorim’s boyhood side Benfica in Portugal.

United have been linked to Araujo ahead of the January window after he replaced fellow United target Antonio Silva in Benfica’s starting lineup.

One problem United face is that Araujo has agreed a new deal at Benfica which includes an £83m release clause. A cheaper deal could be struck, but Benfica are not under huge pressure to sell.

Goncalo Inacio

Staying in Portugal, Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio has been a long-term target for United.

United’s interest in Inacio dates back to 2022 and speculation of a move has only ramped up since Amorim’s arrival at Carrington.

Amorim is a huge admirer of Inacio after he played a key role in both his title successes in Lisbon. Inacio has a £51m release clause attached to his current contract.

After his appointment at United, Amorim ruled out signing Sporting players in January, but a summer move for Inacio is very much on the cards.

Alessandro Bastoni

The 25-year-old defender looks perfectly suited to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system having starred on the left side of a back three in Italy.

United showed an interest in Allesandro Bastoni over the summer just days after he lifted the Serie A title with Inter Milan.

He is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting young centre-backs in Europe and he still has plenty of years to develop and improve.

Piero Hincapie

A key figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last season, Piero Hincapie is a young defender that should be towards the top of United’s shopping list.

United were urged to sign Hincapie in the summer before a deal for De Ligt was eventually agreed.

The 22-year-old is a solid option at centre-back but can also slot in at left-back if needed. His versatility would be a key attribute for Amorim.