Manchester United have been active in the transfer market, with Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin their next reported target, but it’s the defence that are in need of bolstering. Schneiderlin, a French international, is a central-midfielder who provides protection to the backline with his combative and industrious traits, but ultimately manager Louis van Gaal needs to strengthen at right-back and centre-back for the new season.
The Dutch boss appears keen to trust upon Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling at left-back and centre-back respectively, but the likes of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones aren’t strong enough options to lead the side to glory next season. Having Antonio Valencia at right-back was only been a short-term option until he grew into the role, but the Red Devils have been eyeing up replacements, as Brazilian understudy Rafael doesn’t appear to be in the frame.
Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos has been linked with the side, and he’d certainly make a positive impact, but it’s unlikely the Spaniard would leave the Santiago Bernabeu this late in his career. Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne was said to be a target for United ahead of the new season too, but he appears on his way to Liverpool. Everton’s Seamus Coleman is back on the Red Devils’ radar according to various reports, so he may well be their first defensive recruit.
The likes of Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham) and Ezequiel Garay (Zenit) have been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, but so far it’s proven to be nothing other than speculation. Van Gaal is keen on bringing in another commanding central defender, as existing centre-back Jonny Evans could be sold to a fellow Premier League side, but his most viable options appear to be limited.
Last season, Manchester United conceded a respectable 37 goals from 38 Premier League games, but kept only 11 clean sheets. It’s a meagre total for a side as reputable as the Red Devils, especially considering how much money was spent on more defensive recruits Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind at the start of the campaign. They finished 17 points behind eventual title-winners Chelsea, and endured a woeful run of form in the run-in
Signing a top-level defender to marshal the backline could be the difference for Manchester United in their pursuit for next season‘s Premier League title, but so far they have come up short searching for the right man. They have the funds to bring in stellar names this summer, so there could be a pricey arrival shoring up the defence in the coming weeks.
