Manchester United need defenders. We have tried to overlook this fact for a long time, hoping that the current defenders in the squad can start to show some coherence as a unit.
Regular injures, and the disruption which that brings, haven’t helped the understanding between the members of the back line. But that doesn’t tell the whole story as individual errors have also been costing the club this season and last.
We still think that Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair can be long-term Manchester United players. But we have been scathing in our criticism of Jonny Evans this season – he’s underperformed big time – and Rafael now has a lot of work to do if he wants to shed his reputation as someone who can’t help diving in – even when the ball and opposition player are heading down a cul-de-sac.
Louis van Gaal will already have made his judgements and we expect to see one or two defenders arrive in January or in the summer.
Innumerable stoppers have been linked but our eyes have been drawn towards some bookmaker odds which relate to Manchester United transfers.
Aymeric Laporte
We have heard much speculation about Louis van Gaal wanting experience for his back line. But we do hope that he will also indulge his penchant for youth over the next year. It’s all well and good buying seasoned stars. But long-term investments are just as, or even more important. Laporte is only 20 but he’s going to be an absolute titan of the game. He’s already a big lad and could hold his own in The Premier League. He’s got great feet and really super understanding of the game. With many clubs surely keen, he won’t come cheap. But this would represent a wise and really exciting signing for the club. Bookmaker Paddy Power have Manchester United as favourites to be the lad’s next permanent club at odds of 2/1.
Dani Alves
Alves had a very reasonable claim to the title of world’s best right back for a few years back there. He was decent in defence but came into his own going forward with great pace, adventure and distribution. He would also chip in with the odd sizzler of a goal.
In that respect he’s a real Manchester United type. He’s still super player but is 32 in May and we wonder whether LvG shouldn’t consider continuing with Rafa and Valencia on that side until a more long-term replacement can be found.
Manchester United are also 2/1 favourite with the same bookie to sign The Brazilian if he moves on.
Let’s see Alves in motion. Manchester United fans: would both or either boil your potatoes?
