5 take-aways from Manchester United's pre-season so far

#2 United still need a world-class central defender

Harry Maguire is still linked with a move to Old Trafford

Even before the end of last season, it was clear that Manchester United needed defensive reinforcements. The Red Devils had been extremely poor at the back, and barring Victor Lindelof, none of the central defenders in the team had managed to impress. As such, a defender became a priority in the summer.

However, the going has not been easy for Solskjaer and Co.

United have failed to secure the services of any of their centreback targets this summer. Kalidou Koulibaly was deemed too costly, while the Red Devils failed to convince Matthijs de Ligt to make the move to Old Trafford.

Solskjaer has now turned his attention to Leicester City's Harry Maguire, but the Foxes reportedly want a world record bid for a defender - nearing £80m. United are still contemplating whether to pay such an exorbitant amount, but the signs from the pre-season have not been great.

Solskjaer has installed a fast, fluid, attacking style of play which requires ball-playing defenders at the back, and that has exposed United's defensive frailties. Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcus Rojo have been poor, while Eric Bailly is injured again.

Axel Tuanzebe has looked strong and secure, but depending on the youngster to assume first team duties for an entire season is too heavy a risk.

The summer has already highlighted that the Red Devils need to sign a world-class defender at the earliest. They might have conceded just one goal in pre-season, but Solskjaer has already requested Ed Woodward to get the Harry Maguire deal completed on a war footing.

It is a move that could make or break United's season.