Some signings come in and they are the icing on the cake that deliver you league titles. A prime example of this is Manchester United signing Eric Cantona back in 1992.

Other signings look more mundane and a bit like squad filler but they to can become stars in their own right, a bit like Gary Cahill at Chelsea. Dependably solid Cahill has now spent eight years at Stamford Bridge; winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cup triumphs, a Champions League, a Europa League and a League Cup winners medal too.

For me, Man Utd need to look at bringing in players that will give their all for the cause and that will strengthen the team’s defensive spine.

They don’t need another flamboyant forward or an attacking game changer, Jose Mourinho needs a defensive backline that he can trust.

The Red Devils have conceded sixteen goals this season; they don’t make enough blocks, they don’t win enough in the air and look vulnerable when defending set-pieces.

They certainly need new defensive recruits during the next transfer window.

I’d urge the United manager to consider going after Burnley centre back James Tarkowski in January.

James played a big part in The Clarets success last season as the Lancashire club managed to qualify for Europe.

This season has been a bit more a struggle for Sean Dyche’s side but Tarkowski is still producing strong stats and his performances have seen him being regularly called up by Gareth Southgate for England this year.

The Three Lions gaffer has been impressed by James’ versatility and his composer:

“It was really good to see James Tarkowski, we’ve got people we feel can play in a back three, and have done well, but he showed he can cope with international football, against good opposition.

“He was very comfortable on the ball and played some really calm moments.”

In nine league outings this term the Burnley defender has made on average seven clearances per game, wins about 4.4 aerial battles, makes around 2 blocks and 2.1 tackles per league fixture.

United have looked fragile at the back all season and Tarkowski’s dominant displays could shore things up at Old Trafford.

The defender has worked his way up the leagues and conquered every challenge that’s come his way so far. Mourinho could do with the determination and grit in his team at the moment. I also think James can potentially improve if he gets his chance at a bigger club.

The Manchester born central defender might not be the big name that Jose Mourinho was calling for in the summer but he’d be a dependable player that would do his upmost to make the most of his opportunity and give Manchester United a no nonsense defender that keeps the ball away from David de Gea’s goal.

Posted on October 25th, 2018 by scott
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