Five players who could solve Louis van Gaal’s defensive conundrum.
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Manchester United’s season got off to the worst possible start on Saturday afternoon, as Louis van Gaal’s side were beaten 2-1 by Swansea City at Old Trafford, continuing the Red Devils’ dreadful run of results at home in the last 12 months.
Indeed, Garry Monk’s side also won at Old Trafford last season, in the FA Cup, whilst the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion and Everton all secured shock wins on the previously fortress-like turf of United’s home ground.
The most obvious factor to emerge from the Swansea defeat was United’s lack of defensive quality and cover, with youngsters Jesse Lingard and Tyler Blackett drafted in to cover for injuries. These five players, then, could make a huge difference to van Gaal’s side:
Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon)
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for one of the stars of Argentina’s run to the 2014 World Cup final, Marcos Rojo, who looks set to leave Sporting Lisbon during the transfer window.
There is a snag related to the player’s ownership, the majority of which is in the hands of a third party rather than Sporting themselves, but van Gaal seems keen to ensure that Rojo is a United player sooner rather than later. Usually an attacking left-back, Rojo would slot onto the left-hand side of United’s three central defenders whilst also covering for Luke Shaw on the left.
Kostas Monolas (Olympiakos)
United have also emerged as a contender to sign Olympiakos’ Greek international centre back Kostas Manolas, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer. The talented young defender is rated as one of the finest emerging defensive talents in Europe and would probably arrive at United as their first choice central defensive option.
Mehdi Benatia (AS Roma)
Reports have suggested that United are closing in on a £30m move for Moroccan centre back Mehdi Benatia from AS Roma – a player who would certainly add real quality and experience to van Gaal’s back line. Perhaps the finest defensive performer in Serie A last season, Benatia has emerged as one of Europe’s finest defenders since moving to the Stadio Olimpico from divisional rivals Udinese and would be a fine capture for United, although they seem to be facing stiff competition from Chelsea for the player’s signature.
Daley Blind (Ajax)
United also seem to be moving closer to a deal for Daley Blind, a player who Louis van Gaal knows well having worked with him during his time in charge of the Netherlands. The versatile Ajax star was used as a left wing-back by van Gaal in Brazil, but he is also capable of playing in the centre of defence, making him the ideal capture if the Dutchman is intending to persevere with his 3-4-1-2 system.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
United were linked with a move for Atletico Madrid centre back Miranda earlier in the transfer window and, despite the trail seemingly having gone cold, van Gaal could be tempted to revive his interest after the chaotic nature of his team’s defensive display against Swansea. The Brazilian was superb for Diego Simeone’s men as they won La Liga last season and would add both intelligence and physicality to a weak back line.