With time running out in the transfer window this summer, it seems crazy to think that Manchester United are still yet to sign a centre-back despite it being arguably their weakest position.

United have five senior central defenders in Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof. But none of these stars have the credentials (at the moment) to act as a real defensive general in the shape of a Rio Ferdinand / Nemanja Vidic character.

Jones and Smalling have been at the club for an age, therefore coming across as if they are senior defenders at Old Trafford. But it has to be said that neither of the two have ever nailed down a starting place during their time at United. Jones is a very erratic defender who often lets himself down by making silly mistakes despite being fairly solid defensively. Smalling is known to have games where he is seemingly unplayable, only to become quite easily playable just a few games later – showing his inconsistency.

Marcos Rojo shows glimpses of a man who is capable of holding down a position in the first team, but this is far too irregular and his injury record isn’t the best. Rojo is a very unpredictable defender, and some could argue he performs better as a left-back.

Eric Bailly is probably United fans’ first choice centre-back, and it’s fair to say he has been a great addition to the team since he was signed by Mourinho two years ago. However, the Ivorian international has struggled with injuries slightly, and Mourinho has often chosen more senior players in his place in big games. Bailly is a great defender, but perhaps he is too young to be trusted as the main man just yet.

Victor Lindelof had a really underwhelming first season at the club, many wouldn’t have kicked up a fuss if the Red Devils cut their losses with the Swede and sold him on this summer, but it’s surprising what a good World Cup can do for a player. Lindelof was brilliant for Sweden, looking nothing like the scared centre-back we often saw at United last season. Of course, not many would like to see him start alongside another inexperienced defender such as Bailly, but he definitely has the potential to exceed expectations.

So with those five in mind, it seems obvious that United need two main qualities from any centre-back that they are hoping to sign this summer – experience and consistency.

There have been several reports that United are interested in signing Harry Maguire from Leicester City, but the Foxes have quoted upwards of £65m for the England international, who despite arguably being better than what Mourinho has in the position – isn’t anymore experienced.

Toby Alderweireld is another one heavily linked. The 29-year-old is a huge figure in defence for Spurs and Belgium, and would slot straight into United’s team with no questions asked. There have been doubts about his injury record after last season, but the Belgian is unquestionably one of the best defenders in the league. The stumbling block? His price. Spurs reportedly want £70m for the defender, despite him being available for just £25m next summer.

Finally, Barcelona’s Yerry Mina has been linked this week. The Colombian international is a huge figure in defence standing at 6’5, but at just 23-years-old and with relatively no game time at Barcelona in the 7 months he has been there – why on earth would United want to sign him? Mina would be available for around £40m, but Barcelona spent just £10m on him in January and performed below expectations. Should United sign the Colombian, would he be an improvement on anything the club already have?

Who do you think United should sign at centre-back this summer?