Rangers supporters in the Transfer Tavern are relishing the new era at their football club following the appointment of Steven Gerrard as the new Gers manager last month.
The Liverpool legend was confirmed as Graeme Murty’s successor back in May to begin work on June 1, although the ex-midfielder was busy prior to his start date in making additions to the Light Blues squad, in the hope that they can challenge champions Celtic next season. Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield have both joined on free transfers, Jamie Murphy has turned his loan move into a permanent one, and Ovie Ejaria has joined on loan from Liverpool for the entirety of the 2018/19 campaign.
As such, there are many expectant Rangers fans in the Tavern at present, several of whom are hoping that Gerrard addresses the evident need for centre backs this summer, what with David Bates having left the club, and Russell Martin unlikely to join permanently.
And many of those Gers supporters lining up at the bar reckon the Rangers boss would solve that key problem by landing £1.35 million-rated Nottingham Forest star Michael Mancienne (as per Transfermarkt) this summer.
Ultimately, the Light Blues shipped more goals in the Scottish Premiership last season than any other side that finished in the top seven, with their tally of 50 goals against double what Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys shipped over the course of the campaign.
Thus, if the Gers are to sustain a challenge to their Old Firm rivals next term, they have to tighten up defensively, but those ranks look set to be somewhat depleted heading into the new season given Bates’ departure, Martin’s unlikely permanent deal, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of flop Bruno Alves.
And that is why a move for the supremely accomplished Mancienne would go some way to solving that key defensive problem.
The 30-year-old, formerly of Premier League giants Chelsea, has spent the last four years at Championship side Forest and in that time has 135 appearances to show for his efforts, 29 of which coming in the league this term.
However, he started just three of their last 15 league matches to suggest that he has fallen down Aitor Karanka’s pecking order, while the addition of Michael Dawson is unlikely to aid in his quest for regular football next term.
And with his contract up in 12 months’ time, alongside the unlikelihood that he’ll command regular football at the City Ground, Rangers should make a move this summer.
The 30-year-old is reasonably solid in the air and strong in the tackle, but significantly he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, and thus calm and composed even when under pressure.
And with the ability to pick a pass, he could be an asset in Gerrard’s backline next term, both in helping to solidify the defensive unit, and indeed to launch attacks from deep.
Thus, with his Forest career seemingly on the decline, Rangers must seek to make a move for the ex-Chelsea star this summer.
Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!
