- Manchester United interested in Marcos Senesi
- Rivals Liverpool set to beat Red Devils for signature
- INEOS must follow ethos and concede defeat
Manchester United have been linked to several central defenders amid the current crisis among available central defenders.
Harry Maguire is still suspended after his FA charge, and Lisandro Martinez will miss the next three games after his red card against Leeds United. The injury status of Matthijs De Ligt remains unclear. It leaves the club with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as the only available centre-backs against Chelsea.
It poses a concern in the seniority level and experience that is severely lacking in a crucial tie at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Yoro struggled aerially and physically against the West Yorkshire club on Monday.
Therefore, it was no surprise that the Reds have been linked to an experienced centre-back in the form of AFC Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi. The Argentine is expected to leave the club this summer on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract.
Liverpool ‘Lead’ the Race for Senesi
According to Peter Hall from The i Paper, Liverpool are currently the ‘most likely destination’ for the 28-year-old. He will be leaving the Vitality Stadium, with United having identified him as a target in line with value for money signings.
However, Hall has now suggested that Senesi does not ‘fit the age profile or type of defender’ that the club are looking for. Rather, Nottingham Forest star Murillo is on the club’s radar as a more realistic Premier League option. The prospect of the club being relegated could mean that the player pushes for the move when the season concludes.
The Bournemouth defender is among the highest percentiles for defenders in the Premier League this season for chances created (95%) and defensive contributions (98%). Senesi has played 2,750 league minutes in 2025/26, aiding his claim as one of the best defenders in England.
United Must Look to Move On
Under the INEOS era, Manchester United have become far more decisive. They have moved on from unrealistic transfer targets much faster than previous regimes. Under Ed Woodward, the club was notorious for chasing singular targets all summer without a Plan B. The 2013 window remains a harrowing reminder. A well-promised pursuit of Cesc Fabregas under David Moyes led to a deadline-day panic buy of Marouane Fellaini.
Today, there is a much more structured approach to recruitment. The race for Marcos Senesi shows that where United are interested, there will be a host of other clubs that follow suit. A similar lesson is brewing in the latest midfield saga. The Red Devils find themselves in competition with Manchester City for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Whilst the 23 year-old is the number one target, other names have been discussed.
Therefore, if the club gets a clear indication that Anderson prefers the Etihad, United should move forward with those contingency plans. The squad cannot afford to waste time in the market, as three new central midfielders are needed. Left wing, both fullback positions and deputy goalkeepers are other areas to look at.
