United storing up back trouble as ageing defenders make up majority

AT the start of next season, four of United's five centre-halves will be in their 30s.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire reached that milestone this year and Jonny Evans turns 36 next month. Victor Lindelof will celebrate his 30th in July.

It is still uncertain if Lindelof will be a United player come the start of their pre-season tour. His contract expires on June 30 though it would be a departure from the norm if United do not trigger the one-year extension in his deal.

Lindelof has plenty of mileage left and there is resale value in an international certain of having a free summer. Sweden did not qualify for the European Championship.

If the Ineos Group want to lay down a marker, they would sell Lindelof in the summer. With a maximum expiry date of 2025, next summer is the prime time to cash in.

Should United retain Lindelof for another season then they would likely miss out on a fee or have to offer him a new contract. Such is the uncertainty in the United defence that four of the five senior center halves are not assured of remaining at the club in 2024-25.

Speculation has been rife surrounding the future of Varane and it has barely subsided since his classy return to the team last week. Varane has expressed concerns United are forcing him out but he wants to stay, at least beyond the closure of the January transfer window.