Top 5 Right-Back Targets for Manchester United in Summer Transfer Window

Manchester United need a new right-back in the summer. Louis van Gaal has consistently played Antonio Valencia ahead of Rafael. The Ecuadorian has performed to a reasonable level, but his lack of experience in the role has shown on occasion—the goals conceded in the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal being the most egregious examples.

Rafeal’s lack of appearances this season would seem to indicate that he is out of favour with Van Gaal. Even if he was the Dutchman’s preferred option, the young Brazilian has rarely stayed injury free for long stretches.

Thus new options are needed. Let’s take a look at the five who should be top of United’s shopping list.

All statistics per Whoscored.com

Nathaniel Clyne

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Nathaniel Clyne has enjoyed a fine couple of Premier League seasons with Southampton. With Clyne at right-back and Luke Shaw at left-back—assuming he eventually makes that position his own at United—the Red Devils would be equipped with two of England’s finest young defenders.

Clyne is a fine defender, as evidenced by his average of 3.5 tackles per league game, the seventh highest in the league and the most of any full-back other than Pablo Zabaleta.

His attacking contribution is less significant, although his average of 0.8 dribbles per game is high for a full-back, and that tendency to run with the ball could add dynamism to United’s right-flank.

Seamus Coleman

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In January I argued that Seamus Coleman should be United’s key January transfer window target. Back in October I broke down his performance over the last few seasons back whilst suggesting he was the one player in Everton's squad United should sign. 

He has five goals and two assists so far this season. His passing is consistent and effective. In the league he is averaging one key pass per game, a very decent rate for a full-back. 

Having spent two seasons under Roberto Martinez, Coleman would be well placed to make the switch to Van Gaal's similarly possession-based style of football. As a proven Premier League performer, he could be a fine fit for United. 

Dani Alves

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There was a time when Dani Alves would have been at the top of most club’s right-back wish list.

The Brazilian probably hit his absolute peak at around the same time as his club. His brilliant link-up play with Lionel Messi on the right-flank was a signature part of Barcelona’s reign of terror under Pep Guardiola.

Even if he is on the wrong side of his prime, Alves is still a fine player. His experience at playing in a side which values possession will be invaluable, but he has also shown his ability to adapt to a more direct style in the past couple of seasons. 

There has been plenty of talk of him joining United, recently, with the Daily Mirror reporting on Monday that a story in Spanish paper Sport claimed United "could announce a deal to sign Barcelona's Dani Alves as early as this week."

Matteo Darmian

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Matteo Darmian was in action for Italy against England this week. Last week, Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express wrote that Darmian was "open to [a] Manchester United move this summer." 

Darmian would be a good option. He has played in both wing-back positions for Torino this season, to good effect. He has three goals and three assists so far this season, and is averaging 2.6 tackles per league game for the Italian side. 

He has excelled in the Europa league, where each of his assists and two of his goals came, and averaged 2.3 tackles per game in his club's run to the last 16. 

He is strong, good at holding up the ball, and at 25 is in his footballing prime, which might make him less of a risk than, say, Clyne, who is a couple of years younger.

Juanfran

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Juanfran has enjoyed another good season at Deportivo La Coruna.

In spite of his team languishing at 16th in La Liga, the Spaniard has made an important defensive contribution, averaging 2.6 tackles per game and three interceptions. 

He is also averaging a successful cross per game, which is relatively high for a defender—it would put him joint fifth among Premier League full-backs. 

He is a less fashionable player than some of the alternatives here, and would thus perhaps command less of a transfer free, making him a reasonable left-field choice if United are looking to invest heavily elsewhere on the pitch.