Axel Disasi has outlined his key strengths amid Manchester United transfer links

AS Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi has already outlined what qualities he would bring to Manchester United amid ongoing reports connecting him with a summer move to Old Trafford.

United, who will get their pre-season preparations under way in just over three weeks time, have plans to strengthen their defensive options this summer with the addition of a new centre-back. First, though, they need to cut their cloth in that area of the team by offloading one of their current options, most likely Harry Maguire. Maguire is being linked with several Premier League clubs, including both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

If he does leave, United will need to bring in a replacement, but without the guarantee of being able to offer regular football. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have formed the Reds' strongest centre-back paring and manager Erik ten Hag is unlikely to break that up.

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Nevertheless, it would be both wise and sensible to bring in a candidate who has the potential to become a regular starter and perhaps be Varane's long-term successor. At the age of 25, Disasi could be ideal.

The Frenchman, who has made three appearances for his country at senior level, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months, most strongly in the French media. He has made rapid progress at Monaco since joining them from Reims in August 2020.

He has chalked up 129 appearances for the club, chipping in with 12 goals and grabbing four assists. Though his attacking output for a central defender is certainly respectable, it is his defensive capabilities that have reportedly captured United's attention.

And at the time of him joining Monaco three years