Manchester United fans believe Axel Tuanzebe should partner Victor Lindelof in central defence for the coming season — if Harry Maguire doesn't arrive.
Although United have identified Leicester star Maguire as one of their top targets this summer — with their approaches so far rejected by the Foxes — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may well be without a new name at centre-back when the season starts.
United's Premier League campaign begins with a home clash against Chelsea on August 11, though the transfer window closes three days earlier on August 8 at 5pm.
So in case United aren't able to sign Maguire or another centre-back, MEN Sport asked United fans the following question: "If Manchester United don't sign a centre-back this summer, who should partner Victor Lindelof for the season opener v Chelsea?"
The options were Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling or "other" — with Tuanzebe receiving more than half the vote, from 6,408 respondents. A 54 per cent share voted for the former Aston Villa loanee to become Lindelof's future, 41 per cent said Bailly and only three per cent said Smalling. Just two per cent voted for the other options, who are Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
Solskjaer is a big fan of Tuanzebe and wants to give him a chance.
"He's got a future at Man United yes, of course he has," Solskjaer said after United's 1-0 pre-season win over Inter Milan in Singapore.
"Today was a test for him playing against different opposition, we know he can play at that level, that's why he didn't play against Leeds and now he's shown today he's very capable of playing at this level.
"Axel's gonna be the future of this club."
And it seems United fans are in agreement with Solskjaer — though exactly what happens in the centre of United's defence this season will very much depend on whether they land Maguire.
