Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes his old club are so well-stocked at centre-back that they will not rival Liverpool for the potential signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.
Brown's Assessment of United's Defence
Speaking to Compare.bet, Brown said: "I just think we have too many centre-backs at the moment and at least four of them are recognised international players with only two positions to fill so it’s really difficult."
He added: "That might change if someone left but who's going to go? Football doesn't work like that. Van de Ven has had a really tough season at Tottenham Hotspur but as an individual, teams will be looking at him."
United's Current Centre-Back Options
Manchester United's current centre-back ranks include England international Harry Maguire, Argentina's World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez, Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt, France under-21 international Leny Yoro, and English youngster Ayden Heaven. Additionally, Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui can play as centre-backs in a back three.
Liverpool's Defensive Situation
Liverpool, meanwhile, are set to lose Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer this summer. Young centre-backs Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet will compete to partner Virgil van Dijk next season, with Joe Gomez remaining in reserve.
Brown's Thoughts on Jarrod Bowen
Brown also discussed West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, who could be available after the Hammers' relegation. "Jarrod Bowen missing out on the World Cup could make a deal easier this summer, especially now that West Ham have gone down," Brown said.
He added: "Whoever gets him, he’ll be a top player for them for the next few years. He’s only 29 and the way he plays, the attitude that he brings, that’s a massive asset too."
Brown suggested Liverpool as a potential destination for Bowen, noting: "If you're looking at the top four, it wouldn't be Arsenal, it wouldn't be Manchester City, it wouldn't be Manchester United, and Liverpool have a lot of players as well to be fair but it would be a good team for him to join now they’ve lost Mohamed Salah."
