Filling the void left by Ferdinand and Vidic will not be easy.
One of the first jobs of whoever takes over as Manchester United manager – expected to be Louis van Gaal – will be to fill the gap left be the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
The veterans have been the preferred central defensive partnership at Old Trafford for eight years, but will both be leaving the club this summer when their respective contracts expire.
Therefore new centre-backs will be a priority for the Red Devils in the transfer market and here are 10 that the 2013 Premier League champions should take a closer look at.
Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund
Is considered to be among the best in his position in world football currently and as such would probably cost United a hefty fee.
Hummels has been in the Dortmund first team for the past four-and-a-half years, winning two Bundesliga titles and currently has 28 caps for Germany.
Source: Manchester Evening News.
Bruno Martins Indi, Feyenoord
Having become a major part of the Netherlands squad under van Gaal it’s little wonder that the 62-year-old is looking towards players he knows, such as Martins Indi, for recruitment.
The 22-year-old has 13 caps for the national team to date and is also an established member of the starting XI for Feyenoord.
Source: Manchester Evening News.
Eliaquim Mangala, FC Porto
This France international has been touted by some of the biggest sides in Europe having impressed with Porto over the past three years and is also part of his country’s 2014 World Cup squad.
With the ability to play at left-back as well, Mangala is an even more attractive prospect for United as they will be looking to replace Patrice Evra this summer too.
Source: Manchester Evening News.
Alex, Paris Saint-Germain
This former Chelsea ace is bizarrely linked with the Theatre of Dreams despite being 30-years-old and was hardly setting English football on fire last time around.
Alex has been pretty good with PSG this term and would also be available on a free transfer when his own contract expires.
Source: Sport Witness.
Joel Veltman, Ajax
Yet another Dutchman now and a 22-year-old that many sides have been keeping a close eye on as he continues to impress at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars has insisted Veltman will not be sold, but if the offer is good enough the Dutch champions would almost certainly have to.
Source: Daily Express.
Ezequiel Garay, Benfica
This Argentine has been playing well at the Estadio da Luz since a transfer from Real Madrid in 2011, where the defender was wasting his talent due to a lack of game time.
Having helped Benfica to the Primeira Liga title this campaign and successive Europa League finals, the 27-year-old certainly has the experience.
Source: Sky Sports.
Stefan de Vrij, Feyenoord
The third and final Dutchman on the list and someone else that United will face stiff competition for as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be in the hunt.
De Vrij could be tempted by Spurs if Frank de Boer takes over as manager, with the 44-year-old a known admirer of the centre-back.
Source: Daily Star.
Jan Vertonghen, Tottenham Hotspur
Sticking in north London and this star of White Hart Lane looks disillusioned with life at Tottenham after just two years and is keen to leave.
Vertonghen fell out with recently sacked manager Tim Sherwood and whilst the Belgian wants to play Champions League football, could be tempted by van Gaal’s presence.
Matthias Ginter, Freiburg
This youngster has impressed so much in the Bundesliga this season that Joachim Loew named the 20-year-old in his provisional 30-man Germany squad for the World Cup.
Therefore it comes as little surprise that many sides are keeping tabs on Ginter, who looks certain to leave his current club this summer.
Source: Mirror.
Dejan Lovren, Southampton
Finally a player who arrived in England less than 12 months ago, but has already made a great impression on the league after helping to stabilise the Saints’ back four.
United are also interested in Lovren’s teammate Luke Shaw and could look to swoop for the duo at the same time.
Source: Metro.
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