Manchester United have thought about trying to beat the queue to sign a highly rated centre-back in January, using a similar negotiation tactic that proved successful when the club signed Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January 2018.
Since becoming Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim has stuck by his favourite 3-4-2-1 formation.
United have never been known to play a back-three system, but results have improved in recent times, with Amorim’s side unbeaten in five matches ahead into their game against Everton on Saturday.
Furthermore, United are just one point adrift of the top four, so fewer questions are being asked of Amorim’s tactics or his preference to play three centre-backs.
That doesn’t mean Amorim is completely satisfied with his defence. Harry Maguire is not getting any younger, but the same could be said for Luke Shaw, who has slotted into the back three brilliantly after spending years as a left-back.
United are also waiting on Lisandro Martinez to return, but that won’t stop Ineos from keeping an eye on the defensive market, especially if any bargain deals become available.
Man Utd considered Marc Guehi swoop
Marc Guehi has been one of the top defensive performers in the Premier League over the past two years, showing consistency for both Crystal Palace and England.
The 25-year-old came within touching distance of joining Liverpool last summer, with both clubs agreeing to a fee in the region of £35 million after personal terms were settled.
Guehi’s deal to Liverpool collapsed in the final hours of deadline day due to a breakdown in Palace’s own transfer dealings because they were unable to secure a replacement.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner has since confirmed that Guehi will leave the club as a free agent next summer because he doesn’t want to sign a new deal.
This potentially opens the door to other clubs, including United, if they want to jump to the queue for Guehi in January.
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According to Flash Score, United have considered a move for Guehi, despite whether they would be able to influence his decision upon leaving Selhurst Park.
United have pondered the possibility of making an offer to sign Guehi in January for a minimal fee – to ruin the prospects of another club securing his signature in a Bosman deal next summer.
However, the report stresses that it does not sound like it will be a possibility now.
Guehi is keeping his options open for now with a plan to make his decision next summer.
It is understood that the England international is considering a future outside of England.
Marc Guehi’s record against Man Utd
Guehi has taken on United nine times throughout his career.
Palace were victorious on three occasions, and they lost four of those matches.
Guehi biggest winner over the Red Devils came in 2024 when the Eagles won 4-0.
It looks like Palace will be able to keep hold of their best defender in January, but there will be plenty of clubs trying to sign him on a free at the end of the season.
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