The Manchester United fans are finishing of their pints in the Transfer Tavern after watching a demoralising loss against Swansea. It was partly down to Swansea’s hungry attack force of Gomis and Sigurdsson, but mostly down to a disappointing defensive display on Man Utd’s part.
Whilst Manchester United’s attack looks ferocious with the likes of Rooney, Depay and Mata, their defence is a different story and weak at best.
Last season the regular starting line-up included a host of world-class midfielders and forwards whereas the defence comprised of some youth players which were simply not equipped for top-flight football. This season, not much has changed although they opened with three clean sheets, the Swansea game highlighted a major weakness and the bane of Manchester United is clearly their problems at the back.
Throughout the Swansea game Blind looked out of depth offering little protection against an in-form Gomis and even the fact Blind is playing in central defense emphasises Man Utd’s lack of defenders with Blind normally playing as a central midfielder.
While Smalling who has improved much still looks uncomfortable especially in the Swansea game were the attack seemed to skip past him effortlessly.
This defensive fragility could be amended if Man Utd consider these FIVE defenders!
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE DEFENDERS
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1)Holger Badstuber
The German centre-back is a strong player and good in the air currently playing at Bayern Munich.
The 26-year-old was a prodigy in his youth but had his career thwarted by injury so may be in favour of a move to rejuvenate his career in the Premier League.
Louis van Gaal has already complimented the 6ft 3in man stating he is the best left footed defender in Germany, and he would be a perfect addition to Manchester United as he would bring assurance and strength to the back line.
For a talented and experienced player his price tag of around £4 million would be a bargain, especially if he would ease some of United’s defensive headaches.
2)Daniel Carvajal
This athletic right-back who is at La Liga giants Real Madrid is a solid defender and useful going forward on the wings.
Not only would the Spaniard solve defensive worries on the right flank but he would also give something extra in attack, as well can win the ball then distribute it into midfield.
He is both fast and strong so if he is caught out of position he can easily track back and resolve defensive blunders.
Real’s recent signing of Brazilian Danilo, who looks to be preferred to Carvajal means he maybe up for grabs at a cheaper price. He has won the Champions League and Spanish cup with Madrid so has experience of big tournaments so could be a brilliant buy for the Red Devils.
3) Naldo
Man mountain Naldo standing at 6ft 6in is a powerful centre back for VfL Wolfsburg. He is a strong player and a master in the air courtesy of his height so would bring control to Man Utd’s defence.
The 32-year-old would also bring experience and organisation to the United defence.
The two-footed player is a free kick specialist as well as being a talented defender with incredible shot power created by his free-kick technique called the cannon ball.
The Brazilian has become an important player for Wolfsburg and is a fan favourite so despite only having a price tag of around £4 million, it might be a bit harder to sign but Manchester United will have to splash out if they want to stop their defensive issues.
4) Aymeric Laporte
The 20-year-old defender for Athletic Bilbao has been destined for great things and is already a top defender.
Despite his age he has good strength which will improve as he matures along with his great knowledge of the game and immaculate slide tackles making him a brilliant buy.
If the French player was paired up with an older more experienced central defender, Man Utd’s defence could go from poor to one of the best in the league.
At the moment he could add depth to the squad and be a more sporadic first team player but he has potential and if he is nurtured he could be world class.
5) Séamus Coleman
The Everton man is becoming a really highly rated right-back and could be even better at Manchester United if he joins the host of good players they have there.
At 25, he has bags of pace and is assured in possession as well as a solid defender so would hopefully end Man Utd’s misery in that part of the field.
The Republic of Ireland international is a composed player who has been consistent for club and country and consistence in defence is exactly what Manchester United need.
The 5ft 10 player is currently targeted by other clubs and his current price tag of around £13 million may rise as competition heats up for the talented former Sligo Rovers player.
