AC Milan skipper Alessio Romagnoli in action. (Getty Images)
Back in June, a report from ESPN claimed that Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had identified AC Milan star Alessio Romagnoli as a potential target in the summer window.
However, the Red Devils eventually shifted their focus elsewhere and grabbed the headlines with deals for Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles, and Edinson Cavani before the deadline. Meanwhile, Romagnoli stayed put at the San Siro and has continued to enhance his reputation as one of the best young centre-backs in Italy.
A youth exponent of AS Roma, Alessio Romagnoli made his professional debut for the Giallorossi back in the 2012-13 season. However, he struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular at the Italian capital, making only 14 appearances in all competitions over the course of two seasons.
Romagnoli built a good reputation for himself during a productive loan spell at Sampdoria during the 2014-15 campaign before joining AC Milan on a permanent deal in the summer of 2015. He has since established himself as one of the most consistent defenders in the Serie A over the past few seasons, racking up a staggering 195 appearances for the Rossoneri in all competitions.
The 25-year-old represented Italy across various levels between U-16 and U-21 before making his senior international debut in 2016. Romagnoli has amassed 12 caps for the Azzurri, scoring twice.
Man United reaped just rewards from their investment to bring in the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire in 2019. The Red Devils conceded 36 goals en route to their 3rd-place finish in the Premier League last term, which represented a considerable improvement on the defensive numbers from the 2018-19 campaign.
However, United’s defensive problems have once again come back to haunt them in the ongoing campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have shipped 13 goals in their six opening league fixtures this term, with six of those coming at home against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham in October.
Maguire and Lindelof have both struggled for consistency in the early stages of the 2020-21 season. Phil Jones’ time at Old Trafford seems to be up after the 28-year-old was left out of United’s 25-man PL squad. Eric Bailly has continued to be an impetuous defender with a poor injury record while Axel Tuanzebe is yet to firmly establish himself in the manager’s plans.
Add Marcos Rojo to that list and United currently have six senior centre-backs in their ranks. However, it’s not about the numbers but more about the availability of the players to step in whenever required. The Red Devils should, therefore, look for a reliable option in the market to compete with Maguire and Lindelof for a place in the side.
To put things into perspective, Man United should definitely make a renewed attempt to sign Alessio Romagnoli from AC Milan. The Italy international has proven his quality at the highest level in his homeland. At 25, he seems to be matured enough to embark on a new journey in English football.
Man United need to reshape their central defensive unit in the January window by parting ways with some of the underachievers. That would free up enough room for a new arrival and Alessio Romagnoli would be an excellent addition to bolster the club’s backline.
The 25-year-old ticks the box as a proven performer in Italy and still has his best years ahead of him. The Red Devils should, therefore, go all out in their pursuit of the centre-back in the winter market.