A defender is definitely needed, but which one?
Despite what Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has said about the club’s January spending a new central defender is definitely needed for the side.
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This is because the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic last summer has not properly been addressed and of the current options only Phil Jones has shown any promise in the position – and the England international is perennially injured.
So even if it won’t be another bumper £150m transfer window for the Red Devils at least one new centre-back is needed in the New Year and here CaughtOffside picks out the best option.
Expensive option – Mats Hummels – Guardian
Having won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and being widely considered as one of the best defenders in world football Hummels would be many fans’ favourite for their club to sign.
However, with United desperate Borussia Dortmund hold all the cards and can essentially name the price for their captain, meaning the 25-year-old will never live up to his fee.
It’s also easy to forget that Hummels has had major blips in form and was previously criticised for his lack of pace, something which could see the German found out in the Premier League.
Solution? 3/5.
Promising youngster – Aymeric Laporte – Mirror
At just 20-years-old this starlet has been causing quite a stir in La Liga for his impressive performances that defy his age and make him look like a real star for the future.
Whilst this may be true Bilbao won’t allow Laporte to leave on the cheap and therefore Man United may be forced to pay a huge fee for a player who may not settle for another couple of years.
Athletic club also have history when it comes to squeezing money out of Woodward – just look at the £29m paid for Ander Herrera.
Solution? 3/5.
Old favourite – Ron Vlaar – Mirror
Having made him an established part of his Netherlands side Louis van Gaal knows the Aston Villa skipper well and rates the 29-year-old’s capabilities at the back.
However, up until the recent World Cup not many would have even considered Vlaar among the best centre-backs in the division, never mind ready for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Dutchman’s age also means he’s hardly a signing for the future and the only bonus is that with the defender being in the final year of his contract at Villa Park he could be signed for a small fee.
Solution? 2/5.
Premier League ace – Winston Reid – Daily Express
The old cliche is that it takes foreign players time to adjust to English football and that is why signing from within is a good idea – although Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez this season would suggest otherwise.
Essentially this is a myth and every player is different in their adjustment period, but it does mean that Premier League sides can charge more to the big clubs in England for their talent.
Reid may have been in good form for West Ham United this term, but the 26-year-old is hardly the man to lead the defence.
Solution? 1/5.
Returning hero – Nemanja Vidic – Metro
Despite leaving Old Trafford for Inter Milan just six months ago, panic has meant that Vidic is already being linked with a return to the club he spent eight-and-a-half years with.
The Serbian was a true legend of the team and led well as captain, but let’s not forget the constant injuries that the 33-year-old sustained.
Vidic would be good for two thirds of the games per campaign at best and that is only set to become more of an issue, whilst going back to the old guard shows desperation on van Gaal’s part.
Solution? 2/5.
Perfect buy – Raphael Varane – Mirror
For us the perfect signing for the Red Devils to tick all the boxes would be this France international – but signing Varane would be a challenge.
Still only 21-years-old the defender has proving he is capable at the highest level, but currently cuts a frustrated figure at Real Madrid due to his lack of game time.
Carlo Ancelotti will start playing Varane more regularly soon, so United need to make their move imminently to beat the likes of Chelsea to the Frenchman.
Solution? 5/5.