Pau Torres could be handed a dream Man United shirt number with the summer transfer decision
If Pau Torres joins Manchester United this summer, he could obtain his ideal shirt number, but it would largely depend on whether Erik ten Hag believes Phil Jones has a future at the club.
Although midfield is Ten Hag’s first priority in his first transfer window as United manager, centre-back has emerged as another area in need of reinforcements.
This is despite the club having invested roughly £200 million on its current five choices in the area.
United had a dreadful season, finishing with their lowest-ever Premier League point total of 58 and an equally dismal goal differential of zero.
Even the arrival of four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane last summer failed to address the team’s defensive shortcomings, with the Frenchman enduring a rough first season in England.
Harry Maguire had a particularly difficult season as his form plummeted following his heroics for England at Euro 2020, while Victor Lindelof continued to demonstrate that he is unlikely to be a long-term option.
Jones and Eric Bailly, United’s other two senior centre backs, are currently on the fringes.
Despite receiving a new long-term contract extension until 2024 just last year, Bailly appeared in only seven games this season.
The Ivorian spent much of the year on the bench and failed to impress in his few appearances.
Jones’ season had a much better ending, as he made his long-awaited comeback to duty after two years of injury agony, putting in a fine performance against Wolves in his first match back.
The 30-year-old went on to make five more appearances, although he could be better off searching for work somewhere next season.
If Jones leaves, United will have a vacant No.4 shirt for the first time in 11 years, which could be enticing to Torres.
United are willing to let both Bailly and Jones depart the club this summer, increasing the need for a new center-back.
While fans desire dynamic starlet Jurrien Timber, whom Ten Hag knows well from their time together at Ajax, MEN Sport understands that the club has reignited their interest in Torres.
United has long admired Villarreal’s outstanding defender and pursued him aggressively last summer before signing Varane. A lack of Champions League play may stymie any deal, but Torres is said to have a €60 million (£51 million) release clause in his contract.
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Pau Torres could be handed a dream Man United shirt number with the summer transfer decision
