Manchester United resume interest in world-class Brazilian defender

Manchester United are again attempting to sign Atletico Madrid centre-back Miranda after failing last summer, reports Spanish paper AS.

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The Red Devils tried to sign the Brazil international when Louis van Gaal first arrived, and gave the defender a ‘firm’ offer at the time according to the report. However, he ended up staying at the Vicente Calderon, and has been part of a team that has continued to impress despite their financial constraints.

This time though, the Spanish champions are less intent on keeping the 30-year-old than they were before… With Miranda not getting any younger and Jose Maria Gimenez emerging as a perfect replacement, the Rojiblancos could well sanction a transfer to Old Trafford – says AS.

United actually have the third best defence in the Premier League at the moment based on goals conceded, but this could be down to the amazing form of David De Gea rather than a top class back-line. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have looked good together in recent victories over Liverpool and Tottenham, but the Red Devils have been consistently linked to new centre-backs all campaign – with Mats Hummels today claiming that he’d like to leave the Bundesliga (via the Telegraph).

Both he and Miranda are very highly rated, and would undoubtedly boost the Red Devils defence in time for next season should one of them arrive.