Why Seamus Coleman Is the 1 Player Manchester United Should Sign in January

Seamus Coleman should be top of Louis van Gaal’s wish list, because his acquisition would strengthen Manchester United in the position in which they most need cover.

With Rafael playing just 10 times this season—three of which were substitute appearances—Van Gaal has been forced to rely on Antonio Valencia as a right-sided defender. The combined absence of Rafael and Luke Shaw is what predicated the recent reversion to a back three, as Van Gaal told MUTV.

United are currently on an 11-match unbeaten run, and the back three has been deployed for most of those games. There is an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” argument to be made, but in truth, the unbeaten run does not tell the full story of United’s performances.

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Firstly, whether the aim is to compete for the league title or simply to make certain of European qualification, performances away from home needed to improve.

The undefeated streak includes fortunate victories over Arsenal and Southampton, draws against Stoke City and Aston Villa—games United would have reasonable expectations of victory for—and a laboured victory over Yeovil Town in the FA Cup.

It requires no great leap of logic to attribute some of the lack of consistency in United’s play over recent months to the uncertainty caused by the number of formation changes Van Gaal has made—and specifically to an apparent discomfort with the back three.

While a back three might have been the best solution to the problems facing United’s squad, addressing those problems could enable an altogether more impressive version of the Red Devils for the second half of the season.

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Valencia has grown into his wing-back role, but his difficulty with his defensive responsibilities has shown on occasion. It was he, for example, who lost his man against Manchester City, leaving Chris Smalling exposed. Smalling’s ensuing rash challenge led to his dismissal.

Rafael’s injury record suggests United simply cannot rely on the Brazilian to be fit. He was a crucial player in Sir Alex Ferguson's last title-winning season, but since then has dealt with a slew of fitness problems.

The other position that clearly needs attention is, of course, the centre of defence, but given how well Patrick McNair and Tyler Blackett have fitted in when called upon, the need is less pressing than it is at right-back. Although United’s injuries have tested the squad to breaking point, there still exists a good deal of cover at centre-half.

A centre-half should be second on the list of priorities, but signing a right-back who has the physical and technical attributes to cover at right-wing-back would give Van Gaal a degree of tactical flexibility he has not often had. If he once again uses a midfield diamond, overlapping attacking runs from full-back are crucial.

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Similarly in a 4-3-3 with wide forwards, having support from full-backs offers crucial alternative attacking options. Rafael—at his best—is more than capable in this capacity, but his best, between form and fitness, is not on show that often.

Cover, if not an upgrade, is needed. From the outside looking in, Coleman seems to fit the bill. United’s trainer-coach apparently agrees, per Jamie Jackson and Daniel Taylor in the Guardian on December 31.

Back in October, ahead of United’s clash with Everton, I suggested Coleman was the one player among Everton's ranks United should sign. His statistical performance over the past few seasons is impressive (as covered in the above linked piece) and he, of course, has extensive Premier League experience 

The right-back situation is now such that not only is Coleman the best option among Everton's squad, he should be United's first-choice signing of all the realistic available choices. And, according to this photograph from Twitter, it looks like he may have a history of supporting the club. 

"

Seamus Coleman wearing a United jersery as a teenager. #mufc pic.twitter.com/ZwyKgFFbmA

— Finn (@FutbolFinn) January 2, 2015"

He is not the most glamorous player United have been linked with. Indeed, he is probably not the most glamorous right-back United have been linked with, with Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News pointing out that Dani Alves and Stephan Lichtsteiner are "both free to negotiate with other clubs now ahead of a free transfer in the summer."  

However, United should opt for a younger option, and they should not wait until the summer. The right-back problem is a pressing one. 

Solving it could go a long way to ensuring a successful second half of the season.