Louis van Gaal has not been impressed by his side’s defence.
Manchester United’s defence has been slammed from all quarters so far this season, with a lack of defensive solidity meaning that United have barely improved from last season under David Moyes despite their significant investment into attacking players such as Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria over the summer.
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If the reports linking United with numerous defensive signings in the January window are to be believed, Louis van Gaal has been none too impressed with the club’s defending either, with the Dutchman seemingly targeting an entire replacement back four when the transfer window reopens:
RB) Matteo Darmian (Torino – £15m)
Van Gaal doesn’t appear to have been too impressed with right back Rafael da Silva so far this season, with a rush of blood to the head in defeat at Leicester City particularly vivid in the memory. A new right back in January would not be a surprise, with reports suggesting that United are lining up a £15m move for Torino’s Italian international Matteo Darmian.
CB) Ezequiel Garay (Zenit St. Petersburg – £20m)
United missed the boat with Argentine international central defender Garay this summer when he joined Zenit for just £12m for Benfica, but reports suggest that van Gaal is ready to return for the 28 year-old. After he only signed this summer, however, Zenit are likely to demand at least £20m for the player, meaning that missing out the first time around could prove to be a costly error.
CB) Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa – £12m)
Dutch international centre back Ron Vlaar may be out of contract in the West Midlands next summer, but the Villains are seemingly playing hardball over United’s interest in the World Cup star, demanding around £12m for the experienced central defender. United, however, could be desperate enough to pay it.
LB) Benedikt Howedes (FC Schalke 04 – £12m)
United have reportedly sent scouts to track the progress of experienced German international Benedikt Howedes, who is returning from an injury at Schalke. The natural centre back often plays on the left hand side of the defence for club and country and would add versatility to the Red Devils’ back line.