Manchester United continues to work towards forming a competitive team for this season.

After the first preseason matches, the team's defensive fragility has been evident, to which José Mourinho has responded with his intention to bring in high-quality reinforcements. The United board is looking for a center-back who can accompany both Christopher Smalling and Eric Bailly. Leonardo Bonucci, José Fonte, and former Real Madrid player Ezequiel Garay are the targets of the English club, according to The Sunday Times.

The Argentine defender is a familiar face for José Mourinho. They both coincided at Real Madrid before the Argentine international packed his bags to sign with Benfica. Since 2014, he has been playing for Zenit St. Petersburg and a move to Manchester would be his last opportunity to succeed in European football. José Mourinho has kept an eye on his former pupil at the White Club and could add him to his squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

The other names that the Portuguese coach is considering are Bonucci and Fonte. The signing of the Italian center-back is the most complicated option and would require a higher financial investment due to the interest shown by Manchester City and Juventus' reluctance to let go of their player. On the other hand, the Portuguese defender is more accessible and is to Mourinho's liking, having gained experience in English football after six years in the Premier League with Southampton.

READ ALSO