Manchester United Pursues Waldemar Anton as Defensive Reinforcement

Manchester United is advancing plans to strengthen its defense by targeting Borussia Dortmund centre-back Waldemar Anton as a potential replacement for Harry Maguire. Meanwhile, the club has already confirmed one new signing ahead of the forthcoming season under manager Michael Carrick.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches with less than two weeks remaining, several Manchester United players are preparing to represent their national teams. The tournament's timing is expected to affect transfer market activities, as players focus on international duties.

Despite this, United have completed the acquisition of a new recruit in preparation for the upcoming campaign. The club’s transfer strategy is unfolding as Carrick begins implementing his vision at Old Trafford.

Interest in Waldemar Anton Intensifies

Waldemar Anton, a centre-back for Borussia Dortmund, has been on Manchester United’s radar since March. German publication Bild has reported renewed speculation about a possible bid from United for the defender. Maguire, aged 33, recently signed a new one-year contract with an option for an additional year, maintaining his place in Carrick’s squad despite earlier expectations that he might leave on a free transfer this summer.

Anton, 29, is viewed as a valuable target for bolstering a defensive line that has struggled with injuries this season. Key defenders such as Matthijs de Ligt missed significant playing time due to injury, while Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have also faced ongoing fitness challenges.

In addition to Manchester United, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid have shown strong interest in Anton. He is also expected to succeed Julian Brandt as Borussia Dortmund’s 'third captain.' However, Dortmund’s manager Niko Kovac may resist offers to keep Anton at the club if a serious bid emerges from United.

New Appointment in Manchester United’s Scouting Department

Off the field, Manchester United has secured the services of Harvey Busby, a 23-year-old technical scout previously with Newcastle. Busby will oversee scouting for the club’s under-14 to under-18 age groups as the new chief national scout.

Busby played a significant role in youth recruitment at Newcastle, helping the club secure promising talents ahead of competitors. United hopes he can replicate this success by identifying future stars within their academy system. Earlier attempts to recruit Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment, Paul Midgley, were unsuccessful, making Busby’s signing a secondary but strategic choice.

Busby will replace Connor Hunter, who has been promoted to head of academy recruitment. These staffing changes follow criticism from club part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has called for the academy to produce more players capable of advancing to the first team.

Some fans may recall the previous recruitment from Newcastle, Dan Ashworth, whose tenure as sporting director was brief and costly. Ashworth joined United in July 2024 but was dismissed by December of the same year, resulting in a financial setback exceeding £4 million.