Alan Pardew has urged Manchester United to sign Ezri Konsa, drawing a comparison between the defender and Red Devils legend Steve Bruce.There appears to be a defensive vulnerability at Manchester United, driven by a distinct lack of proven depth in central positions.Konsa has been with Villa since 2019GettyLeny Yoro and Ayden Heaven offer a youthful yet inexperienced central pairing at just 20 and 19 years old respectively.At the other end of the spectrum, Harry Maguire is now 33, yet is still expected to act as the Red Devils’ first-choice defender.Meanwhile, Matthijs De Ligt‘s physical condition remains an issue as the 26-year-old has not featured at Old Trafford since November 2025 as he continues his recovery from a persistent back injury.United’s back line also looked fragile recently when Ruben Amorim‘s AC Milan side put four goals past his former club in pre-season.Speaking on talkSPORT, former Premier League manager Pardew put forward the England international as an ideal solution for United.Arsenal have pursued Konsa all summer amid injuries to William Saliba, but have not been able to reach an agreement.He said: “Konsa has been mentioned with a couple of clubs. What a signing he would be for Man United!“A centre-back who can pass, who’s dominant in the air, gets you a goal from a set piece, just like Steve Bruce.”Bruce was an inspirational servant for the club during his 417 appearances and became the defensive heartbeat and captain for Man United during their dominance in the early 1990s.The former England international also became renowned for his goal scoring threat and famously scored 19 goals in the 1990/91 season.Bruce was there when Man United ended a 26-year wait for a league title in 1993GettyAston Villa have already been forced to sell Youri Tielemans to United after they activated his release clause.Now they will not want to lose one of their best defenders to a direct rival.The 28-year-old English defender is fully established in the Premier League and could hit the ground running under Michael Carrick.Konsa’s ability to operate as both a central defender and a right-back adds versatility, which would take significant strain off the United back line.Pardew noted the Manchester-based club were right to steer clear of signing Cristian Romero. He continued: “If I were Michael Carrick, I would stay well away from it [Cristian Romero].“That’s why big Premier League clubs left him alone. He’s a volatile character who brings problems to your dressing room.”He added: “You look at external things as a manager. When you are bringing in a big player, who’s a World Cup winner, into your team, you have to understand what that player is about.“Well he’s a volatile and an aggressive player who demands very great things, so you have to manage him very carefully.Konsa has been a standout for Villa in recent seasonsGetty“If you have a dressing room that might not be so welcoming to a player like that, then you are not going to bring him.“That’s from the ill-discipline he can show in games at times, that’s not just to the opposition by the way, I’ve seen him give the odd snarl or look to his fellow teammates. Those players never go down well.”Romero’s transfer from SpursThe former Tottenham defender recently completed a £34 million transfer to Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract.The Argentine’s final appearance for Spurs came against Sunderland in April, where he was forced off in tears with a knee injury that ruled him out of the club’s final six matches during a grueling relegation battle.Romero joined Tottenham from Atalanta in 2021 and became a mainstay in their defence, making 156 appearances.He helped the Lilywhites end a 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final.After the deal was confirmed, the defender posted on X: “I know I wasn’t perfect, But one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything. I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart.”