Rio Ferdinand identifies two defenders Manchester United should consider signing

Rio Ferdinand has identified Lens defender Kevin Danso and Ronald Araujo of Barcelona as centre halves who would bolster the Manchester United defence.

United are in the market for an athletic centre half next summer as Raphael Varane is injury-prone and Lisandro Martinez has required surgery on his right foot twice this year.

There remains uncertainty over Harry Maguire's long-term future, despite his mini-renaissance, while Jonny Evans's contract expires in the summer and Victor Lindelof is also out of contract in June, although United have the option of an additional year.

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Danso, 25, was once sent off for Southampton against United in August 2019 but helped Lens qualify for the Champions League last season. Uruguay enforcer Araujo, 24, is a mainstay in the Barcelona defence.

"The boy at Lens, there's one there, he's good," Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News. "The Uruguayan boy at Barcelona - Araujo. Whether he's gettable or not, I think he's brilliant. He's an unreal centre half.

"He has every attribute to be perfect for the Premier League. I'd probably say he's the standout, but whether he's gettable or not, I don't know."

United recorded the highest number of clean sheets in the Premier League last season but they have already sieved 13 goals in 11 games this term, leaving them with a goal difference of -2.

Martinez is sidelined until late November at the earliest as he recovers from a metatarsal injury but Varane is currently fit.

United's form in the run-in last season deteriorated when Varane and Martinez were forced off in the Europa League quarter-final first