Five alternatives to Antonio Rudiger for Manchester United

Karan Tejwani

• 25 Apr 2022 15:03 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are set to miss out on the signing of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger in the summer, as the German is likely to go to Real Madrid.

Rudiger’s contract at Stamford Bridge runs out this summer and has already made his desire to leave clear, and with interest from several clubs, Real Madrid seem to be in pole position to get the player.

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Considering that, United have to look for alternatives, and here are five they could sign instead.

Who could Manchester United sign instead of Antonio Rudger?

Pau Torres

The first choice is Villarreal’s Pau Torres, who has been of interest to Manchester United in the past, with the club reportedly making him one of their top targets last year before signing Raphael Varane.

Torres has been impressive under Unai Emery and has played a key role in their run to the Champions League semi-finals, this season, as evident by his performances against Bayern Munich, where he kept Robert Lewandowski at bay for large periods.

Based on the fee rumoured last season, a transfer to Manchester United would cost upwards of £50 million.

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber has been a mainstay in this Ajax team, and with Erik ten Hag leaving the Dutch champions to join Manchester United, he could bring Timber with him.

It was Ten Hag who gave Timber his debut as a footballer, and since then, the 20-year-old has become a crucial part of the Ajax set-up and even made his debut for the Dutch national team.

There is plenty of interest in the player, with his impressive ball-playing and defensive abilities attracting interest from Europe’s top sides.

Matthijs de Ligt

Another former Ajax defender who Erik ten Hag knows well, De Ligt has grown as a player since his move to Juventus and is become an important member of their side.

The Dutchman had a few complications at the start, but has gotten better since, and he could be tempted by the possibility of working with Ten Hag again.

The pair were together for Ajax’s incredible Champions League run of 2018/19, where they reached the semi-finals, with De Ligt scoring the winner in the last eight against Juventus.

Fikayo Tomori

Former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori has been one of Milan’s most impressive performers since he joined them on loan in January 2021.

So good were his displays that Milan took up the option to make his stay permanent, and he has been an indispensable figure in Stefano Pioli’s team this campaign, as they make a push for the title.

If he carries this form forward, he will most certainly get his chance for England as well, and that will surely make him an interesting option for Manchester United.

Jules Kounde

Another player Manchester United have long maintained interest in, Jules Kounde has done well for Sevilla in recent times.

The defender’s skill and ball-playing ability will be of interest to a manager like Erik ten Hag, and the Frenchman has already made it clear that he needs a change of scenery.

United will, however, face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea, who will likely be able to offer Champions League football next season.