While Manchester United had one of the strongest defences in the Premier League last during the 2017/18 campaign, their backline faltered greatly this season.
United kept just two clean sheets at home in the league, the lowest mark in the division. David de Gea began to look human after keeping his side afloat over the last few seasons, while their big money central defenders were kept out of the team by Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
They were forced to continually play Ashley Young at right back, while player of the year Luke Shaw often flattered to deceive at left back. Considering this, it is not surprising that United are looking at brining in some reinforcements in those positions this summer.
The Mirror are reporting that Manchester United are hoping to bring in Crystal Palace duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Patrick van Aanholt, and are prepared to pay around £50million for the pair.
Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Patrick Van Aanholt.
That's what the papers are reporting in today's gossip: https://t.co/nneJh73rAR #MUFC pic.twitter.com/9PaSBeI2gy— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 16, 2019
Wan-Bissaka has won a lot of plaudits for his performances this season, and seems on the verge of a breakthrough to the England squad. He has been linked with most of the top six, and at 21-years old is sure to command a sizeable transfer fee should Crystal Palace decide to cash in this summer.
He would represent a good piece of business for United, and is the type of player that could grow as the club tried to return to contention in the Premier League.
Van Aanholt is a bit of a stranger choice. The Dutchman has taken in spells at seven different English clubs since signing for Chelsea in 2009, although a number of these were on short-term loans.
He is a solid left back, but not one that would push the Manchester United defence onto the next level. If competition for Luke Shaw is the aim, there must surely be younger and cheaper solutions.
Their defence will certainly need some freshening up this summer, and considering the current dynamic of the transfer market, doing so will certainly not come cheap.
