Manchester United’s dramatic last-minute 4-3 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday was the club’s 12th of the season, the joint-most in Premier League history.
This was the third time since March that the Red Devils had conceded three or more goals, and the thirteenth time this season.
Erik ten Hag’s defective system does not work, and his delusional post-match claims are getting increasingly harder to accept. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new-look behind-the-scenes team face a critical choice about the manager’s future.
To make matters worse, the defence is in disarray, with academy graduate Willy Kambwala and Harry Maguire the only fit centre-backs after Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans were both injured against the Blues.
Problems at center backVictor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez have already been out for a month, and based on this season’s results, INEOS’ anticipated summer clearout will undoubtedly include other names from this list.
Many centre-backs have been connected with a move to Old Trafford this summer, and Football Transfers has now added Ezri Konsa’s name to the list.
The Aston Villa player has impressed both a centre-back and right-back for the club, which is expected to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League next season.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future uncertain, the former Brentford player’s versatility could be useful for the 20-time English league champions.
The 26-year-old has been instrumental in keeping 12 clean sheets while also scoring and assisting in 39 games. Gareth Southgate recently gave the centre-back his England debut against Brazil after seeing his performances.
Konsa’s impressive stint at Villa
His pass completion rate and successful take-on percentage rank him in the top 8% of centre-backs and the top 1% of full-backs (according to Fbref), demonstrating his technical ability with the ball at his feet.
And being Premier League-proven is something Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks for in future recruits, and he matches the age profile. Former Villa manager Dean Smith described him as a “Rolls Royce of a player” after seeing his performances.
However, the Englishman signed a new deal until 2028, and with the possibility of competing in the European Championships, his price is projected to soar, potentially putting him out of reach for United.
According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €35 million, although he is projected to fetch far more if sold.
“Manchester United could make a move for Ezri Konsa after monitoring the Aston Villa defender last summer, according to FootballTransfers.”
“FootballTransfers knows that United were aware of Konsa’s dissatisfaction with his contract status at Villa Park last summer and had the England international on their transfer shortlist.
Ezri Konsa is the new target.”However, Villa were hesitant to sell and instead chose to more than double the 26-year-old’s salaries in order to keep him happy, with Konsa signing a new five-year contract in September.
“United are still thought to be admirers of Konsa, although there is an acceptance that the player’s valuation would be significantly higher following his renewal.”
Also, with Champions League games on the horizon, Unai Emery will not want to lose such a critical cog, and a summer transfer may be problematic.
Paying a premium for British players is pretty typical, as United discovered recently with the rising values of Jarrad Branthwaite and Evan Ferguson.
A lot will rely on how much money the club can generate in the summer, and with the team also looking for a striker and a midfielder, it’s unclear how much money is available for the centre-back purchase.