Manchester United have already identified their perfect Harry Maguire replacement

Any centre-back that makes their way onto Manchester United's radar this summer must be prepared to accept realistic expectations.

United, after a forgettable 2021/22 campaign, made significant strides this season, with much of their progress being built on improved defensive standards. The additions of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro last summer played key roles in United becoming more resolute and generally solid, despite the occasional hammering that they experienced during the campaign.

The Reds ended the season with 28 clean sheets to their name in all competitions, 25 of which were won while David de Gea, who is increasingly likely to leave the club this summer, was stationed between the posts. Of those 28 clean sheets, 17 were kept in the Premier League, winning De Gea the Golden Glove.

Though the award was handed to De Gea, it was a team effort, with much of the credit owed to manager Erik ten Hag for sorting out the Reds' defensive problems from the season prior. United defended as a unit and that was key in helping the Dutchman lay the initial foundations in the hunt for success.

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Following his appointment, Ten Hag immediately identified the need to invest in a new centre-back. Despite the recommendation of Pau Torres from the club's recruitment team, Ten Hag installed Ajax Jurrien Timber as his preferred target.

Ten Hag had overseen the Netherlands international's development at Ajax and wanted to be reunited with him at Old Trafford. However, Timber, after several weeks of speculation, decided to stay in his homeland and United turned their attentions to Martinez instead.

The Argentine excelled in his debut season at Old Trafford, forming an exemplary