Manchester United have been linked with a lot of creative midfield talent this summer. It is understandable as its been obvious for a few seasons now that the Old Trafford club have been weak in that area.

But surely after the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Alexander Buttner, and Nemanja Vidic the defence needs to be strengthened too.

So far Luke Shaw is the only new defensive recruit to come in. That means that at the moment new boss Louis van Gaal only has; Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Rafael, Johnny Evans and Luke Shaw in the squad with decent defensive first team experience. Obviously they will have a few youngsters that may help and fill in some gaps.

For me, Man Utd need to look at bringing in two new centre-backs, one with vast experience. Plus a left-back that will give Shaw competition.

So here are a few candidates that I believe could be linked with a summer transfer to Manchester:

Thomas Vermaelen: The Arsenal captain has vast experience and probably needs a move to restart his career. Has suffered from a few bad injuries in recent years but was one of the EPL’s star turns when he first joined the Gunners. Could be available for £10m and has the bonus of being able to fill in at left-back too.

Mats Hummels: Was probably the best central defender at the World Cup. It doesn’t look like Dortmund want to sell another prize asset this summer, plus would Hummels himself want to leave for a club not currently in the Champions League? Maybe a move next preseason and not this one.

Jan Vertongen: Would be ideal as again he can play on the left as well as centrally. Is experienced in the Premier League and has vast international experience too. Spurs are notoriously hard sellers and would be hard to deal with unless an offer starts with £25m.

Stefan de Vrij: The Dutchman could be available for a cut price fee £7m. Did well for the Dutch at the World Cup and a player that Van Gaal knows well. Would seem like an obvious buy for me, especially considering his solid, dependable displays in Brazil. Also wanted by Lazio.

Virgil van Dijk: The young Celtic defender impressed in last seasons Champions League and has huge potential. But I doubt he will be on United’s radar considering Van Gaal never looked at him for international honours. Could pave the way for a move elsewhere.

John Stones: Man Utd have a rich history of buying the best English young talent. Stones had a great end to the season with Everton looking a natural central defender with superb timing and composure to take the ball out of the defence. Can also play at right-back. Would take a big bid to get him away from Goodison.

Daniel Agger: If Liverpool complete the £20m move for Dejan Lovern, then that might mean that they are ready to offload the Dane Agger. Accomplished in the Premier League and has been heavily linked with moves to Barca in the past. Could be a great fit at Old Trafford, if the two rivals were able to do business with each other.

Daley Blind: This versatile player, is yet another Dutch defender that will be linked with United this summer. Was fantastic in Brazil at getting forward and providing some super assists for Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. The Ajax man can also play as a defensive mid. Valued at around £17m, could be interesting if he were to come in.

Ricardo Rodriguez: The Wolfsburg twenty-one year old is impressive at going forward as well as defending on the left-hand side. The Swiss international would provide great competition for Shaw and showed last year in the Bundesliga he’s not frightened to get up and score a few goals too.

Gabriel Paletta: The Italian centre half has impressed in Parma in recent seasons and has become one of Italy’s top defenders. Another one who would offer experience at the back, if Parma are willing to sell.

 

Ron Vlaar: Would certainly add experience to the United defensive positions. Was the rock at the back for Van Gaal’s Netherlands side this summer. Would be  available for a cut-price fee at Villa considering his age but has he done enough in EPL for a move to United and would their fans be happy with that move?

Posted on July 27th, 2014 by scott
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