Most onlookers believe that Manchester United need to invest in their defence as a priority. But, with so many injured defenders in the squad, perhaps Louis van Gaal should wait until he has a full deck to pick from before deciding about whether he should buy again.
Paddy McNair gave another super performance against the might of Romelu Lukaku and Marcos Rojo looks to be adapting well to his central defensive duties. With LvG so happy to give youth a go maybe the need for accomplished stoppers isn’t as great as we first thought. Of course there will be stricter tests of the defence in the near future (Chelsea visit United this month). But Manchester United look stronger by the week at the back.
One area that we think still needs attention is that midfield diamond. Every really top side has great balance but United’s midfield diamond is still finding it’s way. We believe that there are two nailed on starters in that formation – Rooney at the tip and Di Maria on the left. Daley Blind put in another really good quality performance on Sunday but he will never have the power of a Toure or a Strootman. Consequently, United can still look outmuscled there at times.
And on the right of the diamond LvG has played Herrera and Valencia. The former has been ok, and is happy to play deep at times, but he doesn’t have the dynamism of Di Maria on the left. Valencia does but the quality of his distribution isn’t always the best – ideally United need a mixture of both players in that position.
Step forward Juan Cuadrado. A player who was strongly linked with Manchester United in the summer. We think that he would be the perfect addition for the right of midfield. He’s super quick, happy to take responsibility in attack and defence and has wonderful technique. Reports over the weekend once again linked him with a move to Manchester United and we don’t think that these rumours are as outlandish as they may at first seem.
The fact that Cuadrado can also provide cover at right back means that he would be an excellent multi-functional signing and give that right side the balance and speed of the left.
Here’s our team with Cuadrado in it. Manchester United fans: a worthwhile addition or an unnecessary splurge?
Imy
Oct 6, 2014 at 9:15 pm
The versatile Cuadrado would be a great addition. He would be a much better option at right-back than both Valencia and Rafael!
distantmiles
Oct 6, 2014 at 10:58 pm
He will be a fantastic addition to the team