We are dubious about this one. Manchester United were murdered by sections of the press for large chunks of last season for their terrible defending. And it seemed for all the world that they would sign a world class centre back to remedy the problem in the summer.
But it’s an area of the team which has improved rapidly in the second half of the season and we think that Louis van Gaal will want to encourage the Jones/Smalling partnership over the next couple of seasons. When you throw the excellent Marcos Rojo and the huge promise of Paddy McNair in there you begin to wonder whether big investment is needed in the heart of the defence.
But weekend reports in one tabloid suggest that Manchester Unite have agreed terms on a move for Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi. The Metro reports:
Manchester United are close to signing Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi after agreeing personal terms with the player.
They do conclude with the oh so small caveat that:
United now just need to match Valencia’s £36.5million valuation to seal the deal.
Please sign me!
£36.5m for a player who can’t get into The Argentina side at 27? We aren’t suggesting he’s a bad player – far from it – he’s quick, no-nonsense and has decent technique. But we would question whether it would be the best use of funds – especially when Rojo, at 25, could turn out to be a better central defender than his older countryman.
Let’s take a look at the lad in a action. Manchester United fans: is this a necessary buy or a bit of a waste of resource?
Bertin
May 24, 2015 at 9:37 pm
NO