Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been told that signing Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos would help Manchester United become genuine Premier League title contenders.
Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott believes the Brazilian, who was excellent during PSG’s run to the Champions League semi-finals, would be a more important addition than Tottenham forward Harry Kane.
Central defender Harry Maguire has lacked a partner of his quality since he arrived from Leicester in 2019.
Both Lindelof and Eric Bailly have been prone to errors. The pair could start together on Tuesday if the injury that forced Maguire off against Villa is serious.
And former England defender Lescott believes securing a top-quality partner for Maguire should be United’s priority, rather than signing a striker.
The 38-year-old revealed a chat with ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand who agreed that signing Marquinhos would strengthen the club’s chances of a first league title since 2013.
Marquinhos starred for PSG in their Champions League quarter-final win against Bayern Munich, scoring in the first leg.
He then headed in the opening goal of the semi-final first leg against Manchester City and played well across both matches, despite Mauricio Pochettino’s side succumbing to a 4-1 aggregate loss. The 26-year-old has a deal with the French side until 2024.
“That (signing a defender) is the biggest thing, for me,” Lescott said as a pundit for Sky Sports.
“Harry Kane, yes, he would improve them, but I think it’s more important to go and get a centre-half.
“I was speaking to Rio (Ferdinand) recently, we were talking about Marquinhos.
“I think if they were to get him, someone of that stature, that would instantly propel them into contenders.
“If they don’t do that, yeah they can score goals and win games but they can’t rely on the defensive side of their game against the bigger teams in the league.”
Manchester United ready to agree term worth 13million with Edinson Cavani
Manchester United used Martial as their main center forward last season but this time around, the Frenchman, who is not a natural CF, has been out injured and in his place summer signing Edinson Cavani has impressed.
If reports in the media are anything to go by then Man Utd are ready to agree terms worth £13million to secure the the Uruguayan international for a further year.
According to an exclusive report covered by The Sun, the 34-year-old striker was hired on a contract worth £200,000-a week last year and after top performances this term, the Red Devils are prepared to extend his stay.
The renowned source have mentioned that Man Utd are going to offer the star striker a one year deal that will make him earn £250,000-a week i.e. £13million-a-year.
Cavani is the only proven quality out and out striker in our squad and he has done enough to deserve a contract extension.
So far, in 11 Premier League starts, the South American goal scorer has found the net 9 times and also provided 2 assists. On the other hand, his form in the Europa League has been sensational under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
In just 3 starts in the competitions thus far, the former Paris Saint-Germain striker has directly contributed in 8 goals (5 goals and 3 assists).
He has scored or assisted a goal every 30 minutes. Against, Roma he scored 4 goals in 2 legs to help us reach the final.
For the long term future, Man Utd should definitely sign a top center forward in the summer transfer window but letting Cavani leave would be a mistake.