Manchester United have been urged to look closer to home in their search for defensive reinforcements, with former Red Devils midfielder Gordon Strachan highlighting Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins as a potential solution.
United’s defence has come under scrutiny during the opening stages of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, and Strachan believes the club should focus on proven Premier League quality rather than chasing a more glamorous or complicated transfer.
The former Manchester United midfielder has been particularly impressed by Collins, describing the Republic of Ireland international as a “top centre-half” and questioning why United would need to search around the world when a player of his quality is already performing in the Premier League.
For Manchester United supporters in Cambodia, the suggestion is an interesting one. United have invested heavily in their squad in recent seasons, but defensive consistency remains one of the major talking points surrounding the club.
🔴 Manchester United’s Defensive Problem
United’s early-season defensive performances have raised questions about whether Michael Carrick has enough reliable options at the back.
According to the reporting behind the story, Carrick’s team had failed to keep a clean sheet in their first five league matches, winning only one of those games and collecting five points. That start has increased attention on the defensive unit and the decision not to add significant defensive reinforcement during the summer window.
The current defensive options include experienced players such as Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot, but the lack of depth and consistency has remained a concern.
Strachan believes the problem is significant because United’s ambitions extend beyond simply competing in individual matches.
“The problem for Michael Carrick is the defence,” Strachan said, according to the report.
He argued that challenging for major honours requires a strong defensive foundation, particularly when facing the best teams in the Premier League.
Why Defence Could Define United’s Season
Manchester United’s attacking talent can attract headlines, but defensive stability is often what separates teams competing for the highest positions from those fighting to maintain consistency.
A defender who can organise the back line, win physical battles and remain dependable across a long Premier League season could therefore be valuable to Carrick’s squad.
This is where Strachan believes Collins deserves consideration.
Nathan Collins: The Defender Strachan Wants United to Notice
Nathan Collins joined Brentford from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023 for a reported £23 million and has established himself as an important figure at the heart of the Bees’ defence.
The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international has also taken on greater responsibility at Brentford and became captain following Christian Norgaard’s move to Arsenal, according to the reporting.
That leadership experience is one of the characteristics that could make Collins particularly interesting to a club such as Manchester United.
Rather than being viewed simply as another squad player, Collins has developed into a regular Premier League defender with experience playing at a high level.
“You Don’t Have to Scour the World”
Strachan’s argument is based partly on recruitment efficiency.
Manchester United have frequently been linked with high-profile players from across Europe, and supporters often expect major names when the club enters the transfer market.
However, Strachan believes that approach could overlook players already proving themselves in English football.
He suggested that Collins might not be the type of glamorous name that immediately excites every supporter, but his performances make him worthy of attention.
The former United midfielder’s central argument is simple: quality does not always have to come with a huge reputation or a complicated international transfer chase.
For United, a Premier League-proven defender could potentially offer familiarity with the speed, physicality and tactical demands of English football.
A Different Type of Transfer Target
Collins may not represent the type of signing that dominates transfer headlines, but his profile offers several qualities United could value.
He has:
- Premier League experience
- International experience with the Republic of Ireland
- Experience playing for Brentford
- Leadership responsibilities
- Regular exposure to high-level English football
- Experience in a defensive system that demands organisation and discipline
These factors are relevant when considering what Manchester United may need at the back.
Brentford May Not Be Willing to Sell Cheaply
One potential complication is Collins’ contract situation.
The defender is under contract with Brentford until 2029, with the club holding an option for a further two years, according to the report.
That gives Brentford a strong negotiating position if Manchester United were to make an approach.
Collins originally cost Brentford around £23 million when he arrived from Wolves, meaning the Bees would reportedly expect a significant profit if they decided to sell him.
Consequently, United would need to consider whether a deal represented good value before making any formal move.
Why Collins Could Fit Manchester United
One of the most interesting aspects of Strachan’s comments is that he is not simply identifying a famous player.
His argument centres on what United’s defence needs.
Collins has experience in the Premier League and has already demonstrated that he can operate in a competitive English environment. His physical presence and leadership responsibilities also make him an intriguing option for a team attempting to improve its defensive structure.
However, any potential transfer would depend on several factors, including Brentford’s willingness to negotiate, the player’s valuation and Manchester United’s recruitment strategy.
At this stage, Strachan’s comments represent a recommendation rather than confirmation of a Manchester United transfer pursuit.
That distinction is important for supporters following transfer news.
What It Means for Michael Carrick
For Carrick, the priority is likely to find a defensive combination capable of producing greater consistency.
United’s early results have placed additional focus on the back line, and the lack of clean sheets makes defensive improvement an obvious talking point.
Strachan’s comments suggest that the solution does not necessarily have to involve a superstar signing.
Instead, United could potentially look at players who already understand the Premier League and have demonstrated their ability to perform consistently.
Could Nathan Collins Become a Manchester United Target?
For now, there is no indication in the source material that Manchester United have made a formal bid for Collins.
The story is based on Gordon Strachan’s recommendation and his assessment of the defender’s qualities.
Nevertheless, the suggestion arrives at a time when United’s defensive performances are attracting considerable attention.
For Cambodian football fans following the Premier League, Collins is therefore a player worth monitoring. If United continue to experience defensive problems, the Brentford centre-back could become part of the wider conversation surrounding potential solutions.
The Bigger Recruitment Question
The debate also highlights a wider issue for Manchester United.
Should the club continue pursuing major-profile signings, or should recruitment focus more heavily on players who have already established themselves in the Premier League?
Strachan’s comments clearly favour the latter approach in this particular case.
His message is that United do not necessarily need to “scour the world” to find a quality defender when a player such as Collins is already performing in front of them.
Whether United’s recruitment department agrees remains to be seen.
For now, the immediate challenge is clear: United need greater defensive consistency if they are to compete at the level expected of the club.
And according to Strachan, one possible answer could already be playing across London in a Brentford shirt.
