Manchester United’s frailties at the back without Harry Maguire were exposed in their 4-2 defeat to Liverpool on Thursday. The Red Devils captain could be out for the remainder of the season and last night was a glaring reminder that they need to strengthen their centre-back options.

Many criticize Maguire for his mobility and lack of pace, but it was evident to see how question how important he is to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team.

However, he needs a partner next to him who can complement him; if United get that right then there’s no reason why they can’t be challenging at the top of the Premier League again next season.

But who should be on their shopping list this summer? Express Sport takes a look.

Raphael Varane

Varane has won multiple La Liga titles and Champions Leagues and would provide Manchester United with a centre-back option with some much-needed title-winning mentality. Not only that, but he has the ability to back it up.  

Varane, who is still only 28, has played at the top level for years and, in that time, has demonstrated his exceptional ability to read the game, whilst showing that he is a fantastic passer who is exceptional in the air too.

Pace will be a common theme throughout these selections – something that is essential when finding someone to partner Maguire – and Varane has that in abundance.

Spanish outlet Marca, are reporting that if Varane does not renew his contract, which expires next season, then they will look to sell him this summer. It feels like there would be little risk attached to this signing.

Jules Kounde

Since his move to Sevilla, the defender has been one of the key men in their Europa League success and their impressive fourth-place finish in La Liga.

Like Varane, Kounde is quick, agile, strong, and very good in the air, as well as in possession, all the attributes of someone you would like next to Maguire.

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The 22-year-old is also incredibly versatile and is able to play right-back and even slightly further forward on the right-hand side as well.

Kounde made a few mistakes in the latter stages of the Europa League last year, before their 3-2 win over Inter Milan in the final, which may have put some potential suitors off the youngster. But there’s no doubt that the Frenchman is now ready for the step up to a club like Manchester United.

Edmond Tapsoba

Another young defender with bags of confidence, Tapsoba is calm and composed, but with the aggression needed to be a top centre-back.

His speed is something that stands out when you watch the Burkina Faso international, but his impressive ball control and excellent passing range is also something that is particularly notable.

Another advantage to the signing of Tapsoba is the fact that he is used to playing on the left of a five and also, occasionally, a four.

There have been murmurs that United are keen to sign a left-footed centre-back, so the fact that he can comfortably play on the left-side is a major plus point.

Like Kounde, Tapsoba has been prone to mistakes at times but, as a 22-year-old defender, this is something that he will phase out of his game. Again, I’m confident he can make the jump to this level.

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Sven Botman

A player that is left-footed, Botman is someone who has been frequently linked with Manchester United over the last few months, with fans on social media demanding the club sign the Lille defender.

On paper, it’s not hard to see why. Lille are top of Ligue 1 and, with two games remaining, sit three points clear of PSG. They have conceded just 22 goals all season, which is an incredible achievement and Botman has been a major part of that.

However, it is important that United sign someone that complements Maguire and I’m not sure Botman is the ideal candidate to do that.

Like Maguire, the 21-year-old is remarkably calm on the ball and, when he sees space, he will drive into it. He’s a good progressive carrier and passer, something which Maguire is also very good at.

At 6’4, Botman’s build is also notable. Again, like Maguire, he is superb in the air but lacks a bit of speed, which could see United go for other targets before the former Ajax man.

Ben Godfrey

A player that most Manchester United fans will already know a lot about, having watched him in the Premier League for the last two seasons, is Godfrey.

If they can pry him away from Everton, the Englishman would be a superb addition.

Having formerly played in midfield, the 23-year-old is impressive with the ball at his feet and can pick a pass – long or short – with ease. Much like most of the other players on this list, he’s got plenty of pace and, despite being relatively short for a centre-back at 6ft, he’s remarkably good in the air.

The only problem is the price United would probably have to pay. Everton bought him for £20m and contracted him to a five-year deal, which means Everton could feasibly demand at least £60m for him.

The fact that he’s proven in the Premier League is definitely an advantage, but I can see United possibly going for a slightly cheaper option from Europe.