CaughtOffside takes a look at nine perfect potential partners for prospective new Manchester United signing Stefan de Vrij.
With reports emerging that Manchester United are set to secure their third major summer signing in the near future, that of Feyenoord and Holland centre back Stefan de Vrij, CaughtOffside decided to peruse the potential partners for the Netherlands international that Louis van Gaal could persue.
With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both having departed Old Trafford on free transfers this summer, United fans will be hoping that van Gaal has another central defender up his metaphorical sleeve, with neither Phil Jones nor Chris Smalling having truly convinced in that role.
If De Vrij is signed, sealed and delivered then it represents a useful continuation of van Gaal’s rebuilding job, alongside teenager Luke Shaw, but more is certainly going to be required.
Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord)
One logical signing for United would be de Vrij’s clubmate Bruno Martins Indi, with the two having formed a very useful partnership together for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
As another youthful centre back, Martins Indi would also give United the bonus of having two young defenders who can form an impressive long term partnership for both club and country.
The Red Devils have been linked with Martins Indi and, with Louis van Gaal trusting both to play in his three-man defence for the Oranje, it could well be a goer.
Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal)
Manchester United have been very strongly linked with a surprise move for Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen from rivals Arsenal, with the former Gunners captain seemingly out of favour at the Emirates Stadium.
Vermaelen had initially proven to be a fine purchase from Ajax for Arsene Wenger, but as his time at the club grew longer, more frequent errors began to creep into the Belgian’s game.
His performances for the national team show that he is still capable of doing a job at a high level, however, whilst as a left-footer he also provides much needed balance.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
One particularly fanciful link that has been made between United and a centre back this summer is that of Borussia Dortmund centre back Mats Hummels, with the world class defender reportedly a target for van Gaal.
The German international is unlikely to want to move from a Dortmund team still capable of challenging in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League to a United team without the capability of offering European football until 2015/16, however.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
Strong Brazilian centre back Miranda has been mentioned as a likely target for van Gaal, with the former Sao Paulo player being one of many who seem set to leave La Liga champions Atletico Madrid this summer.
The imposing centre back may have missed out on Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but his displays alongside Diego Godin at the heart of the Atletico defence last season left no one in any doubt as to his quality.
He would also provide experience alongside a younger head, likely to be de Vrij, whilst would not command the kind of fee that some other possibilities would.
Mehdi Benatia (AS Roma)
One potentially top class centre back that could be lured to United is AS Roma’s Mehdia Benatia, who could be persuaded with the right deal despite the Italian side returning to the Champions League next season.
The Moroccan international had a wonderful season for the club who kept a record 21 clean sheets in Serie A, with the 27 year-old’s commanding displays being the biggest reason for that superb form.
Benatia would be likely to command a fee in the region of £16m, but this is not a figure that United would baulk at so long as the player had the requisite quality.
Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg)
Rumours linking Freiburg centre back Matthias Ginter to United have cooled since Louis van Gaal replaced David Moyes as manager, but the Dutchman would be wise to keep the young German in consideration.
Ginter has flourished into a fine player who is at home both in the back line or as at holding midfielder at the Bundesliga club who are renowned for producing some of Germany’s most talented young footballers.
Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the player, but as of today he remains available for potential suitors.
Dejan Lovren (Southampton)
Whilst United are yet to be reported as entering the race for Southampton centre back Dejan Lovren, we think that van Gaal would be well-advised to consider the Croatian as a possible partner for de Vrij.
The classy centre back has twelve months’ valuable Premier League experience under his belt, something that many of the potential signings do not possess, whilst he would also be likely to be available for a relatively manageable fee.
Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Pie in the sky it may well be, but departing United centre back Rio Ferdinand recently commented that the man he would like to see fill his boots at Old Trafford is young Real Madrid centre back Raphael Varane.
It is unlikely that Carlo Ancelotti would be willing to sell the precocious young centre back, however, and even more unlikely that no more attractive propositions than United would come in for his services.
If possible, however, he would be a stunning signing, possessing all of the necessary characteristics of a potentially World Class defender.
Jonny Evans (Manchester United)
One potential solution to the problem may be right underneath Louis van Gaal’s nose, with Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans hoping to return to full fitness ahead of the new season after his 2013/14 campaign was plagued by injury.
Before that Evans had shown signs of maturing into a top class centre back and it may be sensible for van Gaal to give him a chance to form a partnership with his new man, particularly considering the Dutchman’s record of getting the best out of talented young players whilst continuing to improve them.