Ten players that could replace Nemanja Vidic at Manchester United.
10. Inigo Martinez – Real Sociedad
The Spaniard has been in impressive form over the past two years and has been one of the driving forces behind their rise to prominence in La Liga and the Champions League. United have seen him at close quarters already this season and he has displayed enough about him to suggest that he is capable of living up to the big Serb if given the right direction.
9. Davide Astori – Cagliari
The 27-year-old is regarded by many as the best defender in Serie A outside of the top six clubs, and there is enough interest in his signature to prove it. The Italian international is in his prime now and United will have to act fast to bring him in.
8. Dejen Lovren – Southampton
A fellow Serb, Lovren went from being one of the statistically worst defenders in Ligue 1 last season to one of the best in the Premier League this time around. He has taken to life in England exceptionally well and could undoubtedly fill in for his compatriot for many years to come.
7. Loic Perrin – Saint Etienne
Whilst Chelsea ave opted to spring for Kurt Zouma, United would do well to look to the club captain. Lethal in the air both at the back and going forward, he would certainly make a nuisance of himself in England and at 28 would offer some much needed experience and class.
6. Mehdi Benatia – Roma
The Roma star has only been with the club since last August and has made a name for himself as a tough competitor as well as being one of the key players behind the club’s renaissance this season. United would have to break the bank to bring him in, but he would prove to be worth whatever bounty they would have to pay.
5. Cristian Zapata – AC Milan
The Colombian international has been bubbling away in Italy for years, but has excelled himself this term by being one of the best players in a poor season for Milan. It’s likely that somebody will make a move for him over the summer, could it be United?
4. Ezequiel Garay – Benfica
A player that the club have been linked with many times before, the Argentine international continues to impress in Portugal and will most likely be on the move at the end of the season. However, there will be significant interest in him so United will have to put together an attractive proposition for him.
3. Thomas Vermaelen – Arsenal
The Belgian has been used sparingly by the Gunners this term, even though he has looked good when he has stepped in. As United have shown before, they have no problems with stealing players from Arsenal and convincing him to move shouldn’t be too difficult.
2. Matts Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
The German international has spent the majority of the season nursing an injury complaint, but he is undoubtedly still a quality player and United would be foolish to not make an offer as he would surely help drive the club back to where they belong.
1. Eliaquim Mangala – Porto
The France international will be in high demand over the summer, and United will have to work hard to bring him in. There is good reason for that, though, as he is by far the hottest, most in demand defender in the world right now.
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