Now the expectation is that Manchester United will strengthen their spine considerably this summer and the sports media is already replete with stories of defensive and midfield reinforcements.
The centre back issue is a central one indeed. Jones and Smalling were very good toward the end of the season but many to most think that another player should come in to add depth to the quality pool.
One name who Manchester United were strongly linked with last summer has resurfaced as the summer window kicks in. He is reportedly interesting Manchester United, along with Chelsea, this summer. The Telegraph states:
Chelsea and Manchester United are battling to sign Atletico Madrid central defender Joao Miranda.
Brazil international Miranda’s contract expires next summer and Atletico are concerned they will be forced to sell the 30-year-old.
At 30 years of age, Miranda is something of an enigma. Of course not everyone can get in the Brazil team. But he does seem to have underperformed in that area, given the paucity of Brazil’s defence at the World Cup and the raw materials that he has to play with – Miranda is big and powerful but also good with his feet.
Indeed, many of the plaudits for Atletico Madrid’s exceptional season last year went to his defensive colleague Diego Godin.
Smalling and Jones – The future of United’s defence?
That said, Chelsea and Manchester United surely wouldn’t sniff at a deal if the player was available for a decent price. He looks like the sort of player who could adapt to The Premier League pretty well. But, at 31 in September, you feel that it’s now or never for a move to a club as big as Chelsea or Manchester United.
