Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on his former club to hijack Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.
Scholes made the comments on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, where he identified centre-back as the most urgent position United need to strengthen this summer.
The Red Devils currently have Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ayden Heaven as centre-back options at their disposal.
However, De Ligt has been sidelined through injury for several months, while Martinez has suffered numerous fitness problems over recent years, limiting his availability.
Maguire, meanwhile, is in the twilight of his career with his current contract set to expire next summer, further weakening the defensive depth at the club.
Yoro has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League since arriving from LOSC Lille, and Heaven remains a young prospect who still needs time to develop at the highest level.
Scholes believes Romero, despite his disciplinary reputation, could thrive under a calm managerial influence and would bring a winning mentality to Old Trafford from his international career.
Scholes said: “I think centre-half is probably the biggest [area that needs addressing]. United should sign] Cristian Romero from Tottenham. I know it might sound stupid, but I just think… I like him. I think he’s a nutcase.”
He added: “He’s a very good defender that does some stupid things. He is an absolute clown. But I think if someone could get hold of him, like Michael Carrick, who is very calm and relaxed, he might be able to [help him].”
Romero is a technically gifted right-footed centre-back who is quick, strong, and comfortable playing out from the back while also contributing effectively in defensive duties.
The 28-year-old had a strong individual campaign last term, scoring six goals and registering three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, also helping Spurs to eight clean sheets.
Valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt, Romero has enjoyed significant international success with Argentina, winning a World Cup and two Copa America titles in recent years.
At 28, Romero is considered to be at the prime stage of his career, making him an attractive and immediately impactful option for any club looking to bolster their defensive line.
However, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has reported that Atletico Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Romero, with the player understood to be ready to move to the Spanish capital.
United would therefore need to move quickly and decisively if they are to stand any chance of hijacking the Atletico move and landing the Tottenham defender before the window closes.