Who should United sign?

In about 48 hours from now, it’s going to be New Year and the January transfer window will be open for clubs to buy and sell players. While clubs are always reluctant to sell their players at this time of the season, top clubs like Manchester United are also always reluctant to sign players during this window.  Price of players during this window is always substantially increased and the players have little time to blend in into their new team and environment – due to lack of the normal pre-season. They just come in and most times try to fill in an existing imperfection in their new team and this comes with some added pressure.

Traditionally Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United rarely signs players during the January transfer window, though the team signed arguably two of its best defenders of the last decade during the January transfer window, in Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, though it took some time for both to blend perfectly into the team.  Under immediate past manager David Moyes, United signed Juan Mata during the January transfer window, though he couldn’t save the team of its last season blushes.

Manchester united under new manager Van Gaal spent over £150 million on new players, and much was expected of the new assembled side. But the team has not fully lived up to that expectation, with the team lacking quality and leadership in centre defence. Injuries and inconsistency of form have also made matters worse. With the team’s defensive fragility, several defenders have been linked to the team. It remains to be seen if Van Gaal will sign players this January and who he will sign.

Redly United looks at the players linked to United, analyzes them and take a look at the probability and possibility of signing them. United have been linked to Ron Vlaar, Diego Godin, Mats Hummels and a host of others.

Ron Vlaar

Age: 29

Nationality: Dutch

Current club: Aston Villa (Captain)

The big Dutch defender has been around for while, and has a good connection with current United boss. Van Gaal holds him in high regards and described him as one of Holland’s best defender at the world Cup in his match conference before United face Aston Villa. He joined Villa from Feyenoord in 2012, and therefore has got enough Premier league experience and will thus need little time to settle if signed. He is solid
as a defender and will be a good buy for United, though only for the short term, as at age 29, he may only have few years left in top flight football. He should be the least expensive of all the defenders linked to United as his contract would be expiring in the summer (2015) and thus Villa may decide to cash in on him, though that’ll be a tough decision to make. He should be available for less than £15 million. He’s been recently linked to Liverpool, and as such United, may have to decide and act fast.

Diego Godin

Age: 28

Nationality: Uruguayan (Captain)

Current club: Atletico Madrid

 He is one the spines of the water tight Atletico defence that won the La Liga last season.  And has been a long serving member of the Uruguay national team, after making his debut at the age of 19. He’s vastly experienced and is a winner with many club titles, which include a La Liga, two UEFA Super Cups, UEFA Europa League and many others. He was also a member of the Uruguay team that won the Copa America in 2011. Recently he’s made a habit of scoring important goals. He scored the all important goal that won Atletico Madrid the League against Barcelona, he also scored the goal that put Atletico ahead in the Champions League final against city rivals Real Madrid, though they eventually lost 4 -1, against Italy his headed goal was the game’s only goal, and one that send his team into the knock out stage. Atletico coach Diego Simeone has made a mockery of a fee of about €20 million being quoted for one of his most priced asset, meaning United may have to cough out a substantial amount if they’re to sign him. He’s a solid defender, with goal scoring abilities, but may require time to settle into and adapt to the fast pace of English football. At 28, with the amount of money Atletico will be demanding, it may not just be the best move for United.

Mats Hummels

Age: 26

Nationality: German

Current club: Borussia Dortmund (Captain)

One great thing is that all the defenders linked to United are captains, either of their clubs or country. Hummels was a reported target for United last summer, but a move didn’t materialize.  He is one of the best central defenders in the world currently, and was in the L’Equipe team of the year released recently.   He is a winner for both club and country – was part of the German team that won the World Cup and has two German League titles to his credit.   He only recently voiced out his unhappiness at the current fortune of his team that has seen them in the relegation zone of the German League. And this may be the right time for United to make a move. He is one of Europe most sought after defenders, with Arsenal also reportedly interested in him. He may also require time to settle into a new country and footballing environment. He’s going to cost United around £40 million pounds to sign him, but at age 26, with his experience and form. He may be the best choice for United.    

Who do you think is best for United?