Como defender on Manchester United radar to replace Harry Maguire

Manchester United’s rebuild feels relentless right now, with the club already laying foundations for what could be a defining summer.

INEOS are expected to be ruthless again.

With exits already confirmed and others looming, planning has accelerated behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

Defensive balance, availability and profile are once again under the microscope.

Manchester United’s plans for the summer transfer window are already taking shape, with attention quietly turning towards a potential replacement should Harry Maguire depart at the end of his contract.

David Ornstein has already warned supporters to expect a significant recruitment drive, with multiple areas of the squad set for reinforcement, and midfield remains the primary focus.

Casemiro has confirmed his exit from Old Trafford, accelerating the need for a midfield overhaul, with reports suggesting at least two major additions are expected in that department alone.

However, defensive reinforcements may also be unavoidable, especially with Maguire’s deal expiring in June and no extension currently in place.

Should the England international leave on a free transfer, United would find themselves light at centre-back heading into a season that should again include European football and deeper domestic cup ambitions.

That risk is magnified by the injury records of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, both of whom have missed significant time over recent campaigns.

As a result, United are already assessing younger defensive profiles who can contribute immediately while offering long-term upside.

One name emerging from those discussions is Jacobo Ramon of Como, with journalist Ben Jacobs confirming, via the United Stand YouTube channel, the Spaniard is on United’s radar if Maguire moves on.

“If Maguire goes, of course, Manchester United might be in the market for another young centre back, particularly a left-sided centre back, but much of these centre backs now are just as comfortable on the left or on the right.

“Like Tottenham and Chelsea, Jacobo Ramon is one name they quite like.

“He’s capable of playing on the right and on the left as well.

“But I think Real Madrid might utilise their buyback clause in the summer and pry him away from Como”.

Ramon has impressed throughout the Serie A season, playing a central role in Como’s rise under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, a coach who continues to be linked with future roles at elite clubs.

At just 21, the defender is already showing a level of composure and physical authority well beyond his years.

One of Maguire’s defining strengths has always been his dominance in the air, contributing goals and defensive stability at both ends of the pitch.

Ramon mirrors that attribute impressively, winning 3.2 aerial duels per game in Serie A, a level Maguire himself has not reached since the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

The Spaniard’s comfort on the ball, positional intelligence and physical presence make him an appealing fit for United’s evolving defensive blueprint.

While any move would not come cheaply, and Real Madrid’s buyback clause remains a looming complication, Ramon is viewed internally as one of the most complete young centre-backs available in Europe.

With Maguire’s future unresolved and defensive reliability still a concern, this is a decision INEOS may feel they simply cannot afford to get wrong.

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