There will of course be a huge clamour for the likes of Gareth Bale to join Manchester United this summer. While some would opine that United are more likely to persuade Christian Bale to join the club, we think that there is a good chance that Real Madrid will cash in while his price remains reasonably high – especially if they end the season in disappointment.
A veritable phalanx of other players will be thrust in the direction of Manchester United by the tabloids and three or four more top signings are not beyond the realm of possibility.
But any discussion about the most likely arrival at Manchester United this summer has to include Southampton right back Nathaniel Clyne.
While debate rages about the futures of Angel di Maria and the forward line, there is little argument that the right of defence needs attention.
Antonio Valencia is well-liked at United but, despite his mobility and work-rate, he’s not a natural right back. Before the last two games Valencia was awful against Arsenal. He may be retained as a useful utility man. But surely United will have another regular right back by next season.
Injuries have once more limited the impact on Rafael da Silva. And while there is no doubting his variety of qualities – he has the sort of stunning tenacity which led me to name my dog after him – he seems to have gone backwards in terms of his composure. Will he ever learn that there are good and bad places to commit a foul on the field of play?
Ideally Rafa would mature and Valencia would provide able back up in future. But there aren’t enough games left this season for the Brazilian to convince Louis of his virtues and Clyne seems tailor made for Manchester United.
He has had another superb season for The Saints and he will surely soon be seen as England’s regular right back. He’s a solid and uber-athletic defender but also regularly looks more talented than many of the right wingers in The Premier League. He’s got great ball control and a delivery which is as consistent as it is wicked.
We have absolutely no doubts that Clyne would be a success in Louis’s revolution at Manchester United – he ticks all the boxes as a marauding full back with a massive motor who loves to press the opposition high up the field when his team doesn’t have the ball.
Having watched Southampton play Chelsea recently they were an absolute joy to watch. They are one of the best teams in the league – certainly one of the easiest on the eye – and many would argue that there is no reason for Clyne to leave.
But in the modern game the cream always seems to be scooped up by the elite and, if the almost inevitable move does happen, Manchester United will surely be at the head of the queue.
Let’s see him destroying defences. United fans: perfect addition?
moses opio
Apr 3, 2015 at 9:24 am
his arival will be abig boost but rafael shold be retained