Dani Alves and the 3 Free-Agent Right-Backs Manchester United Should Target
The dawn of the new year allows clubs to begin official talks with players whose contracts end in the summer, and Manchester United could target Barcelona's Dani Alves, amongst others, to fill a void at right-back.
After significantly bolstering their attacking forces in 2014, manager Louis van Gaal must now turn to his defence.
With Rafael da Silva an increasingly fragile outlet, per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, and Antonio Valencia a more natural winger, United could do with strengthening their right-back ranks.
The club have flashed their financial muscle of late, but a dip into the free transfer market could be an astute move for Van Gaal, given the quality of players set to become available.
Alves is one option, but who else makes our list of three soon-to-be free-agent right-backs that United should target?
Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus)
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Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner is one of the most attractive options in the upcoming free transfer market, and he is rightly garnering interest from many top clubs.
United reportedly head the pursuit of the Swiss international, with Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express claiming the club "have lined up a deal to bring [Lichtsteiner] to Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer."
The 30-year-old boasts a wealth of experience as a title winner in Serie A and has competed in Europe with Juventus as well as former clubs Lazio and Lille.
With an average of 1.7 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per league game this season, his defensive output is less than that of Rafael, who averages 2.2 tackles and 2.2 interceptions.
However, with two goals and four assists from 16 games, the right-back would fit Van Gaal's attacking system.
Ignazio Abate (AC Milan)
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AC Milan's Ignazio Abate is another hugely experienced option for Van Gaal to consider, and at just 28 years old, he has plenty left to offer the Old Trafford club.
Abate's contract has been the cause of much speculation this season, with Liverpool reportedly interested in the Italian as a replacement for the departing Glen Johnson, according to Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror.
Much like Valencia, Abate is a phenomenally pacey player. However, with his more defensive mindset, he could provide an upgrade for United in the summer.
Averaging less tackles than Valencia, with 1.4 per game compared to the United man's 3.2, Abate relies on his reading of the game.
His average of 2.5 interceptions per outing dwarfs both Valencia (1.7) and Rafael (2.2).
Furthermore, with four assists in 11 Serie A games this season, Abate is more than capable of supporting play in terms of attack.
Dani Alves (Barcelona)
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Alves represents the most high-profile right-back option available for United to sign for free in the summer after spending seven seasons with La Liga giants Barcelona.
A key part of former manager Pep Guardiola's supremely dominant side, Alves' attacking forays have added a devastating dimension to Barcelona's typically patient style of play.
An aggressive defender, Alves has averaged 4.1 tackles per game this season—more than any other right-back considered here.
Alves has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this season due to faltering contract talks with Barcelona. Malyon claims the side "are understood to be keen to get the full-back's significant wage off the books."
In the same report, Malyon relays Alves' quotes to Spanish television, as the 31-year-old declared: "The problem of leaving bare the right-back slot is not mine, it is Barcelona's."
Not letting sentiment cloud his decision, Alves would clearly have no qualms with following former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to United this summer.
Statistics via WhoScored.com, contract details from Transfermarkt.co.uk.
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