Manchester United Consider January Move for Nathan Collins

A report says Manchester United are considering signing Brentford defender Nathan Collins in January as they look to address defensive problems that have worsened recently. The report says Collins is one of several Premier League defenders the club have on their list of options, alongside Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey.

The report indicates that Manchester United have conceded 15 goals in their last five matches, while injuries have made the situation more difficult. Matthijs de Ligt recently returned, while Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have had fitness problems. Collins, 25, has become an important player for Brentford and has previously worn the captain’s armband.

But completing a deal for Collins midway through the season is not guaranteed, as Brentford have no clear reason to let one of their key players go. The report considers Branthwaite a potentially more expensive option, while Bassey offers another alternative. United are also looking for attacking reinforcements after Joshua Zirkzee did not leave in the summer, with a loan the likeliest solution up front. Strengthening at centre-back could therefore become a priority if the club considers its current options insufficient.