---
title: "Manchester United: Garth Crooks says Red Devils need to sign ‘Virgil van Dijk-type figure’ for top four challenge"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-united-garth-crooks-says-red-devils-need-to-sign-virgil-van-dijk-type-figure-for-top-four-challenge/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Manchester United Football Club"
published: "2020-02-24T18:55:49Z"
modified: "2020-02-24T18:55:49Z"
---

# Manchester United: Garth Crooks says Red Devils need to sign ‘Virgil van Dijk-type figure’ for top four challenge

**Writing in his column for [BBC Team of the Week](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51607364), football analyst Garth Crooks has highlighted just what Manchester United need to do in order to challenge for the top four – buy a ‘Virgil van Dijk-type figure’ to partner Harry Maguire in the centre of defence.**

Analysing the weekend’s football, Crooks gave a special nod to Maguire for his ‘[pivotal](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51607364)‘ performance at the back which eventually allowed United to stroll past Watford 3-0 at Old Trafford. Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood capped off an all-round brilliant afternoon for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side who are currently keeping pace with the top four – sitting just three points behind rivals Chelsea. However, writing in his column, Crooks has insisted that United cannot be taken seriously as a top-four team unless they sign a ‘Virgil van Dijk-type figure’ to partner Maguire at the back.

The Dutchman, who has played a colossal role in keeping Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, beats Maguire in most defensive aspects – making more clearances per game (4.7) whilst completing 88.8% of his passes, as per [WhoScored.com](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/95408/Show/Virgil-van-Dijk). However, the Englishman has had to make a higher number of successful tackles ([1.2](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/99487/Show/Harry-Maguire)) and interceptions ([1.9](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/99487/Show/Harry-Maguire)) – potentially highlighting how a figure similar to Van Dijk could theoretically benefit United.

“Against Watford he wasn’t exactly the hero, but he played a pivotal role in securing a clean sheet for the Reds,” explained Crooks.

“Two matches, two wins, two clean sheets and six points suggest United are building from the back. I still think they need another top-class defender to play alongside Maguire if they intend to be taken seriously as a top-four team.

“With an in-form Martial – and Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford waiting to return – United have the firepower. What they need is a Virgil van Dijk-type figure alongside Maguire in defence.”

Indeed, judging by the stats, Crooks may have a point – with the Red Devils having been linked with signing Napoli stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly in the past ([Fabio Santini via Area Napoli](https://www.areanapoli.it/calciomercato/santini-koulibaly-manchester-a-giugno-sembra-fatta-le-cifre-napoli-su-maupay-e-altri-due-nomi_355880.html)). However, whether or not he is the Van Dijk figure United need remains to be seen.

***Should Manchester United prioritise another centre-back? Join the discussion by commenting below…***