5 Realistic Defensive Targets for Manchester United Manager Louis Van Gaal
Is a partnership of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling the future of Manchester United’s central defence?
That's what Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official magazine back in 2011—a remark the Daily Mail brought to light again on Wednesday.
Of course, even Ferguson could not have foreseen the disaster of last season, the defensive struggles of the current campaign or the string of injuries sustained by Phil Jones, never mind the capitulation away to Leicester City on Sunday.
And while new United manager Louis van Gaal did well to address personnel needs up the pitch during the summer transfer window, his only additions to the defence left by Ferguson were Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw—the latter of whom was courted by the David Moyes regime—as well as the promotion of Tyler Blackett.
This despite the exits of long-time stalwarts Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.
On Tuesday, former United right-back Gary Neville told BBC Radio 5 Live, as per Reuters, that the club required an additional outlay of £150 million in order to contend for the title—the majority of it to be spent on the defensive positions.
"I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area," he said.
The thing is, world-class defenders such as Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Georgio Chiellini of Juventus are rare commodities, and ones their clubs would be loath to part with.
But United do have more realistic options, and the following slideshow will reveal five of them.
5. Ron Vlaar, Aston Villa
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A calf injury has so far prevented Ron Vlaar from making his 2014-15 debut for Aston Villa, but that doesn't mean he's short of suitors following an exceptional World Cup for the Netherlands.
The 29-year-old shone in Brazil—his smothering of Lionel Messi in the semi-finals, in particular, drawing plaudits.
A tough-tackling centre-back with a veteran's head on his shoulders, Vlaar is already being tracked by United, as per the Mirror, and will be out of contract in the summer.
4. Juan Jesus, Inter Milan
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Juan Jesus likes to bring the ball upfield on the dribble—something Manchester United became accustomed to during Rio Ferdinand's best years at the club.
At 23, the Brazil international also has his best days in front of him, and with his Inter Milan contract set to expire in 2016, the Nerazzurri could perhaps be coaxed into selling.
A tall, tough-tackling defender, he could also give United the aerial presence they currently lack on set pieces.
3. Nicolas Otamendi, Valencia
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It may be a long-shot, given that he only joined Valencia in February before being loaned to Atletico Mineiro, but Manchester United would do well to go after Nicolas Otamendi in the upcoming transfer window.
The 26-year-old centre-back won three straight Portuguese titles with Porto during a trophy-laden, four-year spell at the club, and at present he is part of a stingy outfit that has allowed only two goals in four Primera Division matches.
Only Barcelona have conceded fewer goals than Los Che so far this season.
An exceptional passer who will occasionally throw himself in front of the ball for a block, Otamendi is already a £40 million target of United’s, according to the Express.
2. Oscar De Marcos, Athletic Bilbao
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal values players who can operate in several positions, and with that in mind, Oscar de Marcos seems a good fit for the club.
These days the 25-year-old is serving as a right-back for Athletic Bilbao, and given United's dearth of options along that flank, he could certainly do a job at Old Trafford.
Current right-back Rafael is useful enough going forward, but his rash tackling on the defensive side of the ball routinely makes him a liability.
That De Marcos can also play at left-back and in the centre of defence only heightens his value.
Incidentally, United's interest in the former Spain U-23 international dates back to 2012, when the Daily Mail suggested the Premier League giants were keen to sign him.
1. Inigo Martinez, Real Sociedad
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Inigo Martinez helped back-stop Real Sociedad into the Champions League last season and also starred for Spain at the 2013 UEFA European U-20 Championship.
A 23-year-old centre-back, he's not blessed with height but makes up for his lack of stature with an abundance of smarts.
Martinez isn't the sort of defender to break concentration—an asset Manchester United could most certainly do with—and his accurate passes from the back are useful in turning defence into attack.
Back in May, with Barcelona inquiring after their player, Sociedad were reported to have tagged a €30 million price tag to Martinez, according to Marca.
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