United dismiss Romero links as midfield overhaul and left-back search take priority

Manchester United have distanced themselves from reports linking them with Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, with sources close to the club dismissing claims from Argentina that an offer was being prepared as wide of the mark.

The story, which circulated on Monday, suggested United were targeting the Argentine centre-back. United sources have made clear Romero is not on their summer wishlist, and the club have no current plan to sign a central defender.

Manager Michael Carrick already has five senior centre-backs available: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven. The club view that group as a reasonable blend of youth, experience, and players in their prime years. Maguire signed a one-year extension — with an option for a further year — in April, while Martinez is entering the final year of his contract, though United hold a 12-month extension clause.

The club’s summer priorities lie elsewhere. A midfield overhaul is underway, with a deal already agreed to sign Ederson from Atalanta. Attention has also turned to the left side of the squad, where the recruitment team are assessing left-back options on the market. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is admired internally, but he has three years remaining on his contract and manager Eddie Howe is keen to retain him.

One option that has entered the equation is redeploying Patrick Dorgu to the left wing on a permanent basis. The Danish wide player was in strong form in that role before picking up an injury in January. He underlined his quality last weekend, scoring from 25 yards for Denmark in a friendly against Ukraine — though the goal will not be registered in FIFA’s official records as the match was abandoned.

When Carrick was last asked about Dorgu’s best position, he said he did not want to pin the player down to a specific role, suggesting flexibility remains central to how United view him going into the summer.