Man Utd Transfers - 5 Centre-Back Alternatives To Mats Hummels

4. Eliaquim Mangala

Eliaquim Mangala is at the centre of a two-way tussle between Manchester United and their derby rivals City this summer, with City keen on signing the highly-rated 23-year-old centre-back. United too are interested, and were handed a boost last month when it was revealed Mangala would prefer a move to Old Trafford. Though the player himself is keen on a move to the Red Devils, manager Louis van Gaal has not been prioritising the defender this summer over fears for his temperament. Still only 23, there are concerns he has not yet matured. However, van Gaal may now be forced to rethink that decision with Mats Hummels no longer available to him. At six foot two, Mangala is a tough, physical and imposing centre-half in a similar fashion to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. He has already been capped by France and is tipped for a starring role in Didier Deschamps's squad in the near future. A versatile defender, the Frenchman can also play at left-back, where he played for Standard Liège. Like Alderweireld Mangala would provide van Gaal with more defensive options, which could be crucial considering the Dutchman is currently short of cover on the left side of his defence with Patrice Evra and Alexander Buttner leaving the club this summer.