Four centre-backs Manchester United could sign for free this summer

Following Manchester United’s embarrassing 4-0 loss to Brighton on Saturday, Erik ten Hag will be under no illusions that a huge task awaits him at Old Trafford.

Fans are calling for, and expecting, an overhaul by the Dutchman this summer. This will need to include the acquisition of a number of players amidst the mass exodus set to behold the United dressing room.

A re-stock of the midfield will be a priority but Ten Hag may also wish to bolster his backline. Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof were carved open by Brighton, and only when Harry Maguire entered the pitch to allow United to form a back five did the onslaught stop.

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Ten Hag, therefore, may use some of the reported £150m transfer budget he will receive on a defender, with Pau Torres said to be the number one target. But he may not need to spend a penny in the hunt for further reinforcements.

The AC Milan captain is on course to lift the Serie A title this season, with his club leading the way with two matches to go. At 27, Romagnoli has plenty of years still left in him and he further proved his quality by helping his club keep a clean sheet, and beat, Atletico Madrid in this season’s Champions League.

The ex-Newcastle defender has been in inspirational form with Porto this term. He has just secured his second Portuguese title and has helped keep an impressive 18 clean sheets in all competitions.

The Dortmund defender has already been linked with a move to Old Trafford with Ralf Rangnick a big fan of his. Zagadou, 22, has had problems with frequent injury setbacks in recent seasons but if he can stay off the physio table, he could grow into a first-team starter