Premier League
Five Defenders United Should Sign
Manchester United’s defense has been heavily criticized both by Jose Mourinho and United’s own fans.
Amazingly United have conceded 14 Premier League goals in just eight games. Only four teams have conceded more.
Mourinho expressed his desire in the summer to sign another center-back.
However, he failed to do so and there is no doubt that the Portuguese manager has lost faith in his defenders.
United badly need reinforcements in this area if they are to compete once again for the Premier League and Champions League trophies.
Here are five defenders that would help shore up United’s leaky defense.
Matthijs de Ligt
The 19-year-old center-back is one of the best young defenders in Europe. The Dutchman made his international debut aged just 17, thus becoming the youngest Holland debutant since 1931.
De Ligt has gradually improved over the years and this season has seen him star in the Champions League for Ajax.
He produced a fantastic performance against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, where he kept Robert Lewandowski, one of the best strikers in Europe quiet.
De Ligt’s impressive displays have caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe with Juventus and Barcelona interested.
He is a fantastic reader of the game and a natural born leader, having captained Ajax aged just 19.
He is the type of player who will only get better and would be a great signing for Manchester United.
Jonathan Tah
The Bayern Leverkussen defender has quickly established himself as one of the most accomplished young defenders in Europe.
He made his debut aged just 17 for Hamburg and has been getting better and better.
At over 6 feet tall, the German is physical, clean in the challenge and strong in the air.
Mourinho recently criticized that none of his center-backs can bring the ball out from the back.
Tah would be the ideal solution. He is comfortable using both feet and can distribute the ball effectively when under pressure.
His defensive qualities have drawn comparisons with Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng.
United were linked with Boateng in the summer but Tah is a younger player with similar attributes and would help improve United’s defense.
Alessio Romagnoli
The 23-year-old Italian has burst onto the scene in the last couple of seasons with impressive performances for Milan.
Romagnoli is an elegant, versatile and composed center-back. He is also comfortable in possession and playing the ball out from the back.
He also has the ability to advance into attacking positions and press higher up the pitch.
Romagnoli is regarded as one of the most promising young defenders of his generation and has been compared to Milan legend Alessandro Nesta.
Manchester United have been linked with Romagnoli and it is easy to see why.
Marquinhos
The Brazilian defender has great anticipation, intelligence and pace.
He is another center-back who is comfortable in possession and possesses great passing ability.
The 24-year-old also has the technical attributes to provide cover in midfield.
Real Madrid have been linked to Marquinhos and with PSG’s on going issues with financial fair play, the French club may look to sell him on.
Marquinhos was linked with Manchester United in the summer and it wouldn’t be surprising if they ignite their interest once again.
The Brazilian has failed to nail down a regularly starting spot under Thomas Tuchel.
That could be a defining factor in him joining United.
Jose Gimenez
The Uruguayan defender is already one of the best center-backs in world football.
Alongside countryman Diego Godin, they have formed a formidable combination for Atlético de Madrid and Uruguay.
Additionally, he is fantastic in the air, blocking the ball and holding onto possession.
Gimenez is also versatile and has played well at full-back. Overall he is a great all round defender who at just 23-years of age is only going to get better.
The big stumbling block for United will be whether he would want to move away from Atlético. Also, it would require a big fee to tempt Diego Simeone into selling Gimenez.
The above may be cheaper options for United to target.
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Photo credit to Dickson Dagogo via Flickr
