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Manchester United have been linked for a shock move for the departing Real Madrid centre back, Nacho Fernández Iglesias.
The Madrid captain announced yesterday that he would be leaving at the end of the season to “try a new adventure”.
The Red Devils have suffered massively all season in regard to their defence.
The Old Trafford outfit have been cut open time and time again and are the side with the most shots against them in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024.
Moreover, there has been a procession of defensive injuries which means Erik ten Hag’s men are in the scarcely believable situation where they enter an FA Cup semi-final with only one fit centre back, Harry Maguire.
This means that many United defenders have massive question marks over their heads with Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Maguire himself all possibly on the chopping block this summer.
As a result, it is quite clear that new owners INEOS will prioritise signing a central defender or two to bolster the first eleven and squad.
Names such as Jarrad Branthwaite, Gleison Bremer and Jean-Clair Todibo have most frequently been discussed.
Fichajes have reported that the Red Devils may be interested in another soon to be former Real Madrid defender.
The Spanish outlet reports that, “Nacho’s decision not to renew his contract with Real Madrid for next season has generated intense interest from several European clubs. Three teams stand out among the suitors for the experienced 34-year-old Spanish centre back”.
Speaking of United’s potential interest in the decorated defender they state, “Manchester United are looking for solutions for their defence after the imminent departure of Raphael Varane in the summer market. Nacho emerges as an attractive option for the Red Devils, as his versatility to play as a full-back on both sides and his experience could be of great value for the English team”.
Inter Milan and Juventus are also named as teams interested in the Spanish international.
In spite of his age, the defender has still been a key part of Madrid’s assault on the league title and Champions League, playing 36 games to date this season, including their penalty win at the Etihad earlier this week.
The Spaniard has a ridiculous trophy cabinet where he has won five Champions Leagues. He has also won three La Liga titles and two Spanish cups.
The signing on a free contract would certainly add a lot of experience and winning mentality to the backline. Moreover, he impressed against Erling Haaland on Wednesday, showing he can still compete at the highest level.
Nonetheless, at 34, you can expect a decline is not too far around the corner. In addition, signing Nacho would stink of something the Ed Woodward or John Murtough era would have done and would show that the club have learned nothing from the Varane or Casemiro deals.
INEOS have said over and over again that they would prefer to sign younger players who have yet to reach their potential. Nacho, in spite of being a free transfer, would be exactly the opposite of that.
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