Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has issued a warning to Louis van Gaal that Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels is not the answer to the club’s defensive woes.
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Hargreaves believes that the Germany international, while an excellent ball-player, is not powerful enough to slot into the Old Trafford defence.
According to the former England international, Louis van Gaal must look to sign players of the same calibre as former Red Devils stars Nemanja Matic and Rio Ferdinand – who were one of the most formidable defensive partnerships in Premier League history.
The 34-year-old believes too much of Hummels’ game is with the ball at his feet – of which he simply would not be afforded the time in England’s top-flight – and also notes that his turning on the ball is too slow.
He believes that rather than chasing the Dortmund centre-back, Louis van Gaal should look at Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng.
Speaking to BT Sport, here’s what Hargreaves had to say, as he says “defenders must be defenders” – watch below:
Hummels was unquestionably the stand out performer in his position at the 2014 World Cup, as they lifted the trophy – however Dortmund have been in dismal form this season, and their captain’s role in their form should not be underestimated.