Last season, Manchester United made a significant investment in center-backs, aiming to solve their longstanding defensive issues. However, despite the substantial financial outlay, the results on the pitch were far from convincing. The club had hoped that these additions would stabilize the backline and improve their defensive record, but the anticipated improvements have yet to materialize. The defensive frailties continued to surface throughout the season, leaving many to question whether the right players were brought in to address these persistent problems.
Initially, United had identified Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as their primary target for the summer transfer window. Branthwaite, a rising star, was seen as the perfect fit to bolster their defense. However, Everton’s high valuation of the player made negotiations difficult. The Merseyside club was adamant about their asking price, and as the talks dragged on without any progress, it became clear that a deal was unlikely to be reached. This forced United to reconsider their options and look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Eventually, United shifted their focus to other defensive targets. One of these was Leny Yoro, a talented young defender. Although the player had initially expressed a preference for joining Real Madrid, Manchester United succeeded in securing his signature. Yoro’s arrival added depth to the squad, but the Red Devils were still on the hunt for a more experienced option to lead their defense.
In a prolonged and complex set of negotiations, United also managed to acquire Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. De Ligt, a proven defender at the highest level, was seen as a key addition to strengthen the backline. The negotiations for de Ligt stretched over several weeks, as Bayern Munich was reluctant to part ways with one of their standout players. However, United’s persistence paid off, and they finally brought the Dutch international to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, United also explored other possibilities, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, as they sought to leave no stone unturned in their quest to rebuild their defense.
### Jonathan Tah’s Contract Situation
One of the key defenders on United’s radar was Jonathan Tah, who had almost secured a move to Bayern Munich the previous summer. Despite personal terms being