Our local Man United punters in the Transfer Tavern want to see some defensive acquisitions this summer.

Looking at United’s back four at times last season smacked at a lack of depth and options with Daley Blind filling in at centre half for large portions of the campaign.

Whilst Blind did decent enough a new centre half that is a natural to that role is a must to partner Chris Smalling.

New manager Jose Mourinho knows a solid defence is key to winning titles and that’s what the Old Trafford faithful want.

The Portuguese manager has always had a strong centre half pairing in his trophy winning teams, and will make this one of his first targets in the transfer window.

Brazilian defender Marquinhos could be the answer for the former Porto man and at a young age could form a partnership with Smalling for years to come.

So what are the pros and cons of Man Utd signing the PSG man? Our landlord has two of each…….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE TWO PROS AND TWO CONS!

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Pro 1 – Passing

Modern centre halves are often the ones to initiate attacks, and United had one of the best in Rio Ferdinand. Marquinhos could fulfil a similar role for the Red Devils who have never really replaced their former West Ham man, and reignite a faltering attack that has failed to capture the imagination for the last few seasons.

Marquinhos is a perfect example of a ball playing defender and will only get better as his career progresses.

Con 1 – Aerial ability

Although a six footer the Brazilian is relatively poor in the air.

Whilst this hasn’t bothered PSG’s title tilt in Ligue 1 it should be on the minds of United’s recruitment team.

A player that can’t win the ball in the air in the Premier League is bound to be a target to exploit and the Red Devils will have to consider that before throwing Marquinhos into their defence.

He has the physical frame though, so maybe it can be trained into him.

Pro 2 – Concentration

Key to any top class player never mind defender is that they are always focused and Marquinhos certainly provides that.

He averaged over 3 clearances a match in 2015/16 and also made nearly a block a game.

These stats show that the Brazilian is always switched on and alert to the danger from the opposition, as well as the vital ability of a centre half to read the game and anticipate chances.

Con 2 – Goal contribution

It seems silly to use this as a drawback of a defender, but if a team has a player that can chip in from the back they are sure to go far.

Mourinho has had it before with John Terry and Sergio Ramos in his previous jobs and would certainly like that option again at United.

Marquinhos has some improving to do though to do this role though – he only scored one goal last season.