Manchester United were dealt countless injury problems last season with an untold number at the back. Should things go according to plan for Erik ten Hag and INEOS this summer, though, that particular selection conundrum could rapidly become a selection headache for the Dutchman.
Raphael Varane has moved on - three years after being sworn in from Real Madrid - and the classy former France international might not be the only high-profile defensive departure. Question marks surround Harry Maguire and Sweden captain Victor Lindelof, to name two.
United will prioritise at least one new centre-back in their latest recruitment drive and there is every chance that two or more additions could be made in the area. Matthijs de Ligt is poised to swap Bavaria for Manchester while Everton and England Under-21s starlet Jarrad Branthwaite is another known target.
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Agreeing terms with Everton might not be straightforward - especially with lingering FFP caution - and £80million is mooted as the figure in question. Incomings to that tune could depend on sales and United would probably have to free up space in their squad anyway.
Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez remains one tick for recruitment under Ten Hag - who has put pen to paper on a contract extension - but United were unable to unleash the former Ajax man with any regularity last campaign due to two separate injury setbacks. Could that have a bearing on his squad status?
When armed with a full pack, choosing between De Ligt, Branthwaite and Martinez could be difficult - if welcome given constant fitness issues last season - and a question with no definitive answer. That
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