Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Showcasing Defensive Target Ezequiel Garay

David Moyes isn't the only fresh face Manchester United will welcome to Old Trafford this summer. According to the Mirror's Ed Malyon, the Red Devils are close to acquiring their top defensive target in Argentine center back Ezequiel Garay: 

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Manchester United are closing in on Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay.

The Argentine defender is currently away on international duty, with a blockbuster clash against Colombia on Friday night at the forefront of his mind.

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Garay, who has played for Benfica since 2011, picked up valuable experience playing for Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid from 2009 to 2011. Even though his time spent at the Bernabeu was largely disappointing, he made over 30 appearances for Los Blancos over that time.  

At age 26, Garay is just beginning to enter his prime on the pitch and has yet to reach his ceiling. He started 18 matches for Benfica this past season, scoring two goals for the Eagles. Despite his lack of scoring production with Benfica and with Real Madrid at his previous stop, he no doubt possesses above-average technique for a defensive player.

Prior to getting picked up by Real Madrid, Garay starred at Racing Santander, pouring in nine goals in 31 league appearances in his first season with the club in 2006-07.

In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, Garay shows excellent anticipation at the back and is a master at intercepting passes and getting the attack started with crisp passes of his own. He demonstrates poise on the ball and isn't one to panic or give it right back to the opposition. 

The bottom line is that there's a lot to love and very little to dislike about Garay's game.

He's emerged as one of the most well-rounded center-backs in Europe, and his age makes him that much more appealing to a club like Manchester United, a perennial contender aiming to get stronger in front of goal on the long-term.

Garay has the skill set to step in right away at Old Trafford and make a difference at the back. With the pieces United already has in place on defense, Garay would be able to shine, possibly taking a few more risks in hopes of igniting the club's potent attack.

The reigning English Premier League champions are set to begin a new era under Moyes in 2013-14, and with Garay set to join the Red Devils this offseason, that era will likely begin with some improved defending.

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