We saw last season that a few of the squad numbers were left free until the last week of the window while Manchester United went for the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria – who ultimately took the number 9 and 7 jerseys respectively.
And, with number 2,3 and 9 free again this summer, we should expect more movement in the market before long.
Luke Shaw, for example, may have been expected to take the number 2 jersey as he will surely be at the club for a decade.
Perhaps he prefers his current number 23.
But the number 3 looks like it may go to the Argentina international Nicolas Otamendi.
Latest reports suggest that Manchester United are close to doing a deal for the solid 27 year old Valencia player.
Manchester United’s defensive stats (they conceded 37 goals in the league compared to champions Chelsea who let in 32) don’t look too bad.
But, in the tougher games, you didn’t always get the sense of reassurance that came with the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
We sense that, if Manchester United are going to make a real fist of this season, they need another superb defensive pairing.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling showed signs of a good understanding at the end of last season – perhaps their time will come.
But we would love to see a partnership formed between the fellow countrymen Marcos Rojo and Otamendi. Although they are similar, no nonsense defenders, without an obvious ball player amongst them, they have the strength and talent to become a great duo. John Stones may also be considered but Otamendi offers the experience that LvG may desire.
So, for our money, Otamendi would be by far the best addition to the centre of defence right now and, unless he takes Jonny Evans’ number 6 jersey then we may well be looking at the next Manchester United number 3.
Bob
Aug 13, 2015 at 9:20 pm
Not sure why football experts ( tongue in cheek ) keep discounting the ability of Smalling – he has improved significantly on the ball and no longer makes careless errors. Surely the most important attributes of good defenders are what Smalling has in that he is super fast – is commanding in the air – strong as an ox – very difficult to beat in one on one battles – stays on his feet more and more and is showing demonstrable leadership qualities.
If he can remain fit and play most of the season he will become an elite defender in the EPL…