For the Man Utd fans in the Football Transfer Tavern, Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to Chelsea was a nightmare in a number of ways.
Not only did it mean the Red Devils slipped further behind in the title race – with all the teams around them picking up points – but they also lost Eric Bailly to a long-term injury.
Bailly sustained the injury – believed to be around the knee ligament area – after tangling with Eden Hazard in the 52nd minute and had to be substituted off. It is believed he will be out for around 2 months.
The Ivorian has been one of United’s best performers this season and has adapted to the Premier League with ease since his move from Villarreal.
It also gives Jose Mourinho a predicament as he is now left with only three fit centre-backs including the out-of-form Chris Smalling and out-of-favour Marcus Rojo.
The Portuguese boss always favours a strong defence and won’t be too happy about a lack of options, so here are two men we think he should sign in January…
ANTONIO RUDIGER
One man who would slot straight into the Red Devils defence is Antonio Rudiger.
The 23-year-old is like Smalling and Bailly in that he is strong in the air, yet able to catch up to even the quickest of attackers.
He has also earned 11 caps for Germany and was unlucky to miss Euro 2016 after sustaining an injury a week before the tournament started.
INIGO MARTINEZ
Real Sociedad have been performing well in La Liga this season and are currently in seventh place. A huge part of that is down to Inigo Martinez.
The 25-year-old has been an assured presence in the San Sebastian club’s backline for years and was recently recalled to the national side for his consistent performances.
He would certainly bring some calm to a United defence that has looked anything but in recent times.
