Stay or Go: An analysis of Manchester United's current centre-backs

Manchester United have started their preparations for next season, which begins with a Premier League clash against Chelsea on August 11. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to make massive shifts to the side which endured a disappointing 2018/19 campaign.

The Norwegian has stressed upon the 'United DNA' and has made major changes to the backroom staff which envisages his vision. Man United have made two signings thus far and hoping two more- with Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes doing the rounds.

The Red Devils have made a priority to recruit a centre-back and right-back, with the latter position being addressed with the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. If the rumours are to be trusted, a deal to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City is deemed close to conclusion.

Should Maguire's move to Old Trafford materialise, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have seven central defenders at his disposal. With regards to this situation, the United manager said-

"Of course, there's a limit of players,"

"Whoever performs will be part of the team and whoever doesn't has a fight to get back in. There's been loads of speculation but I can't really say anything. We'll work to find a relationship with the ones we've got."

Solskjaer's comments suggest that United could cut loose of some central defenders if Maguire arrives at Old Trafford. On this note, let us analyse Man United's current centre-back department.

#1 Phil Jones (Verdict- Sell)

Phil Jones signed a four-year extension in February, raising serious doubts over board's decision to offer an injury-prone player a chance to prolong his stay at the club. The Englishman never realised his potential due to incessant fitness issues, restricting him from featuring consistently in a United shirt.

In addition to his long list of injuries, Phil's wayward defending often induce crucial individual errors, providing the opposition with easy opportunities to score. Jones' age (27) will make it facile for Ed Woodward to find a buyer for him. It would be ideal for the player and club to part ways this summer.

#2 Marcos Rojo(Verdict- Keep)

Manchester United v Watford FC - Premier League

Marcos Rojo has been unfortunate for the past two seasons, being reduced to just 14 Premier League appearances in this period. The Argentine defender was keen to move on from Old Trafford last summer, but lack of concrete buyers forced him to stay at the club.

It looks like the 29-year-old has finally overcome injury issues, displaying sharpness since his comeback to United's starting XI against Chelsea last campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer envisages Rojo as a utility player due to his ability to slot in various positions. Keeping Marcos as a backup for next season could be a wise decision.

#3 Chris Smalling (Verdict- Keep)

Huddersfield Town v Manchester United - Premier League

Chris Smalling is the only centre-back in United squad who fits the template of a traditional English defender- one who dominates the opposing attackers physically. The 29-year-old won 102 aerial duels and made 57 headed clearances in his 24 Premier League appearances last season.

The aforementioned stat underscores Smalling's aerial prowess, makes him essential while defending the long balls and set-piece situations from which United conceded most of their goals. Also one of the longest-serving players in the current squad, and wearing the captain's armband on a stand-in basis, Ole must be determined to keep Chris in his squad to groom younger players.

#4 Axel Tuanzebe (Verdict- Loan)

Axel Tuanzebe is one of the exciting young players Red Devils currently have in their squad. In spite of his foot injury, the youngster enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Aston Villa where he honed his physical and ball-playing skills. Ole is keen to use Tuanzebe next season and will monitor his progress in the ongoing pre-season campaign.

With Harry Maguire's arrival at Old Trafford being imminent, Axel Tuanzebe will find himself way down the pecking order. To continue his smooth development, sending Axel out on another loan spell guarantees his playing time - an important factor given his age and potential to improve further.

Aston Villa is keen on signing the 21-year-old for his second stint on a temporary basis and United could be tempted by this offer after their pre-season ends.

#5 Eric Bailly (Verdict- Keep)

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Eric Bailly became Jose Mourinho's first United signing in the summer of 2016. In his debut campaign, during the first two seasons at Old Trafford, Eric Bailly established himself as one of the best defenders at Man United with a combative presence in the back-four.

Last campaign was an upturn of fortunes as individual errors and recurring injuries pushed him close to an exit from Man United. But, the Ivorian's abilities as a defender is widely known and deserves a chance to prove himself again.

With Harry Maguire's arrival impending, Ole's backline will oversee a major improvement and the decision of retaining Eric next season has remote chances of going wrong.

#6 Victor Lindelof (Verdict- Keep)

Victor Lindelof was signed by Mourinho in an attempt to add much-needed composure on the ball in Man United's defence. The Sweden international endured an average debut season where he struggled to cope with the long balls targeted towards the opposing strikers.

The 25-year-old improved massively last campaign and was United's best centre-back amid a shambolic defensive record. Keeping Lindelof in Reds' setup is a no brainer given his age and potential to improve further.

Alongside Harry Maguire, Victor could form one of the most solid defensive partnerships in the Premier League next season.

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari