Manchester United are considering revamping their defense in the summer, a source has told ESPN.
United insist it is business as usual as they wait for the Premier League to ratify INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25% stake and have begun drawing up plans for the summer transfer window.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
The deal is expected to be given the green light in February and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford has been involved in meetings at Carrington during the interim period. Brailsford are looking to make appointments in key recruiting positions but director of football John Murtough and coach Erik ten Hag are already looking ahead to the summer.
According to a source, there have been talks about making changes to United's defense with players coming and going.
Raphaël Varane's future is up in the air after United decided not to activate a one-year extension to his contract and the Frenchman could leave Old Trafford as a free agent in June.
Jonny Evans also ends his contract in the summer, while Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire could also leave if important offers arrive.
United, according to a source, have interest in Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo.
Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey also has admirers after impressing in Champions League games against United this season.
Looking ahead to the summer, United are also paying special attention to players who will be out of contract in June 2025.
Mason Mount was signed last summer as the England midfielder entered the final year of his contract and Chelsea and United believe they can take advantage of similar situations at the end of the current campaign.
Meanwhile, a United source has denied claims that Anthony Martial has been exiled from the first team by Ten Hag and ordered to train alone.
The Frenchman has missed more than a month through illness and injury and has been linked with a departure from the club in January. His contract expires in the summer, but he will remain at United beyond the transfer deadline on February 1.
