Manchester United have been dominating the transfer headlines after securing the services of midfield duo Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin. The double swoop has transformed the look of United’s midfield from ordinary to imposing.
With their engine room now in good hands, focus has shifted back to David De Gea’s future but as the will-he-won’t-he saga with Real Madrid rumbles on, it is perhaps the defence in front of him that that warrants more attention.
The Red Devils made 28 defensive errors in the Premier League last season, the third highest in the division. However, only three goals were conceded from those errors – the lowest conversion in the league – which was largely down to De Gea's exceptional performances.
Logic dictates that getting their defence in order would significantly cushion the blow of losing one of their most prized assets and Louis van Gaal has already landed the reliable and highly-rated Matteo Darmian from Torino to feature at right-back.
What he requires now is a formidable defender at the heart of the back-line to instil stability. If he’s successful, United won't have to rely on a tremendous shot-stopper to repeatedly bail them out.
Here are five centre-backs United could land this summer.
– #360debate: Will Schweinsteiger succeed at United?
– Digby: Who is Matteo Darmian, MUFC's new right-back?
NICOLAS OTAMENDI (Valencia)
With De Gea and Sergio Ramos both on their respective sides’ pre-season tours, it seems as though a deal involving the two going in opposite directions may be on the rails for now. As a result, United’s links to Nicolas Otamendi have grown stronger.
The 27 year-old would be a fine and certainly able acquisition for United. Otamendi has a Dhs202 million (£35.5m) release clause but after the recent resignation of the club president, Valencia are reportedly open to negotiating a cut-price fee. The Argentine is a well-rounded defender, largely calculating but uncompromising when the situation demands evasive action.
He’s not as mobile or dynamic as Ramos but is no slouch on the ball either. His distribution is not among the best and he is admittedly a more powerful defender who dominates aerial duels. Despite playing the ball from the back not being his greatest strength, he showed great improvement in that side of his game last season.
PROBABILITY OF JOINING UNITED: 7/10
– #360debate: Will Schweinsteiger succeed at United?
– Digby: Who is Matteo Darmian, MUFC's new right-back?
SERGIO RAMOS (Real Madrid)
It’s no secret that Ramos is the defender that tops Van Gaal’s wishlist. However, the signs from Madrid indicate that they aren’t willing to let him go, especially after they named him their new club captain – although, like United with De Gea, they could just be playing hardball. Whoever blinks first loses in what’s turned into quite a standoff.
Ramos’ mobility and all-action style of play is likely to suit United’s philosophy under Van Gaal , who likes his centre-backs are required to be accomplished on the ball and aid distribution. The Spaniard has ample experience in that regard having been a mainstay in a possession-based Spain defence during their European Championship and World Cup triumphs.
United are desperately short of leaders at the back after the simultaneous departures of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra last summer and at 29, Ramos has vast experience, is well decorated and has a strong character. He’s certain to chip in with a few goals as well which is always a bonus.
PROBABILITY OF JOINING UNITED: 6/10
– #360debate: Will Schweinsteiger succeed at United?
– Digby: Who is Matteo Darmian, MUFC's new right-back?
RON VLAAR (Free agent)
Very much the wildcard in this list, Vlaar may actually be a decent acquisition on a free transfer should things come to that. If United fail to land their main targets at centre-back, the experienced Dutchman would make for a decent fall-back option.
Vlaar was among the best defenders at the World Cup last summer, when Van Gaal’s Dutch team secured third spot. The 30 year-old has plenty of experience and is a sound organiser at the back. He is physical, strong in the air and has proven Premier League pedigree. The former Aston Villa skipper is lacking in pace but if it’s stability United need, Vlaar would be a solid recruit.
He still has at least a couple of good years in him and would make for a good stop-gap solution. That said, there’s been very little linking him to United so far.
PROBABILITY OF JOINING UNITED: 4/10
– #360debate: Will Schweinsteiger succeed at United?
– Digby: Who is Matteo Darmian, MUFC's new right-back?
INIGO MARTINEZ (Real Sociedad)
If United are forced to look at alternatives to Ramos and Otamendi, Inigo Martinez should be one of the names up for consideration. The 24 year-old has been a pillar at the back for Real Sociedad while Liverpool have shown an interest in signing him, reportedly offering Dhs81 million (€20m) for his services.
David Moyes was forced to address the speculation and insisted that the player will not be sold. However, the young centre-back does have a release clause set at Dhs122 million (€30m). Given his age and potential, he may be worth it.
Martinez impressed with the Spain Under-21 team that won the European Championship in 2013, with one of his best qualities his distribution from the back, something that Van Gaal is keen on. He reads the game exceptionally well and is intelligentin his defending. However, he doesn’t fulfil United’s need for a leader and figurehead in defence.
PROBABILITY OF JOINING UNITED: 3/10
– #360debate: Will Schweinsteiger succeed at United?
– Digby: Who is Matteo Darmian, MUFC's new right-back?
MARQUINHOS (Paris Saint-Germain)
If it’s a centre-back like Ramos Van Gaal craves, PSG’s Marquinhos fits the bill. The Brazilian is a mobile and dynamic central defender who is quick, sees danger early and can carry the ball out of defence with aplomb.
Marquinhos is extremely comfortable in possession and appears composed in even the most testing situations. He’s struggled to fully establish himself at the Parisian club, though, owing to the signing of David Luiz.
Like Martinez, he wouldn’t be the leader in defence United want but would represent a fine acquisition nonetheless. He won’t be cheap though as PSG shelled out Dhs127m (€31.4m) for him just two seasons ago. However, while reports suggest Edinson Cavani could be part of a deal that sees Angel Di Maria move to Paris, there’s always a possibility that United could work something out for Marquinhos instead.
PROBABILITY OF JOINING UNITED: 2/10
