Possible sales and signings in defence for United this summer.
Following an unexpectedly awful season under David Moyes in 2013/14, Manchester United will need to start at the back as they look to progress under new manager Louis van Gaal this year.
A number of big names have already been linked with moves to United following the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and while those two big names and long-time servants to the club will no doubt leave a big gap in the squad, there are also a few other current United players who aren’t really good enough or likely to survive under van Gaal.
See below for three players who could leave and three who could come in in what would be an ideal transfer market scenario for the Red Devils before the start of the new season.
Out – Chris Smalling
A surprise recent target for rivals Arsenal, Manchester United are yet to really see the best of Chris Smalling, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2010 with plenty of promise after his rapid rise from non-league football to becoming a key player at Fulham. Now 24 years old, Smalling can no longer be considered a promising player of the future, and should really be the consistent and reliable performer that the Red Devils need. Although it would be slightly unfair to judge him on the back of what proved to be a disappointing season for everyone at United under David Moyes, Smalling doesn’t appear to be a specialist at either centre-back or right-back, and it there’s no doubt the club could do better with a new signing in either of those positions to replace him. If there is genuine interest in the England international this summer, United should take the money and run.
In – Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord)
A highly promising Dutch defender, Stefan de Vrij of Feyenoord is currently on World Cup duty in Brazil with Louis van Gaal. The 22-year-old has already made a good impact for the Netherlands with some strong defensive displays as well as an important goal in his country’s opening game against reigning champions Spain. United are reportedly one of his numerous admirers, and it would be no surprise to see van Gaal make a raid on one or more of some of his best players from the Dutch national side, with de Vrij a good candidate to come in and provide United with a new long-term option in central defence.
Out – Rafael da Silva
After a superb 2012/13 campaign, Brazilian right-back Rafael da Silva seems to have lost his way somewhat in a United shirt. The 23-year-old was in and out of the starting lineup this season as United endured a nightmare campaign, and never looked like providing much in the way of competition for the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones on the right side of defence, despite neither of them excelling either. Linked with a surprise return to Brazil with Corinthians last Autumn, it could be that Rafael is homesick or generally unhappy at Old Trafford after the departure of his twin brother Fabio, who joined Cardiff City in January after a spell on loan with Queens Park Rangers. Rafael could be the next on his way out, particularly with van Gaal reportedly eyeing up another player in his position from the Dutch national squad.
In – Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord)
One of the best defenders in the Eredivisie and a reliable performer for van Gaal in the Netherlands national team, it has been reported that Manchester United are looking at Daryl Janmaat. The 24-year-old has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as well in the past, and looks ready to make a step up in his career and move to a bigger club and a more competitive league. With Rafael under-performing for some time now, Janmaat could be an ideal replacement for the Brazilian as United can no longer afford to be carrying passengers as they look to reassert themselves as a force in English football again next season.
Out – Phil Jones
Another promising young English player who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in his Manchester United career so far is Phil Jones. The 22-year-old has been a regular in the United side since he made the move from Blackburn Rovers back in 2011, but three years later he doesn’t seem to have progressed beyond the role of versatile squad player. Used at centre-back, right-back and defensive midfield, Jones has not exactly excelled in any particular position, and has become increasingly erratic and prone to costly errors at the back, whilst offering little in the way of creativity or an attacking threat when given the license to do so. Although an honest hard-worker with some potential, it may be time for United to aim a little higher this summer as they compete with the ever-improving Chelsea and Manchester City.
In – Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
An ambitious target that would certainly signal a step in the right direction for Manchester United this summer, the club must do their best to sign rumoured target Miranda of Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian centre-back was one of the most solid defenders in Europe as he helped Atletico to a superb title win in La Liga as well as to the Champions League final, and is now wanted by a whole host of top clubs. Barcelona are the other major contenders to sign him, but there may be few better candidates to come in and instantly add a commanding presence and leadership to this United back four. Miranda’s ability, as well as winning experience and know-how, are just what is needed at Old Trafford at the moment as the club bid farewell to some highly influential figures. With the likes of Jones and Smalling looking like not being quite good enough for a club of this calibre, van Gaal would do a great job of winning the race for Miranda’s signature before the end of this transfer window.