4 Full-Backs Manchester United Could Target in Transfer Market

Manchester United need full-backs, and everyone knows it. For manager Louis van Gaal, that's exactly the problem.

"When you see our luck with the full-backs this season; only [Matteo] Darmian is fit," the Dutchman said in a press conference, per football writer Chris Winterburn. "I need full-backs. We are looking for a level but clubs don't want to sell. It is difficult. You think it is so easy."

Apparently not. Luke Shaw, Marcus Rojo, Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia are all among the injured, and United have been left to look high and low for defensive reinforcements.

Here, we list four players United might consider targeting this month. 

Seamus Coleman

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Everton right-back Seamus Coleman was a transfer target for Manchester United over the summer, if Joe Bernstein at the MailOnline is to be believed. 

Coleman was United's top choice for a new right-back last summer, per Bernstein's report, but the Republic of Ireland international never made the switch from Goodison Park to Old Trafford.

Strong going forward, Coleman can play either in the back line or midfield and has contributed three assists in the Premier League this season.

Even if United return with a bid this January, Everton have previously shown an unwillingness to sell Coleman. Last summer, the Toffees also rejected a £20 million bid (plus Gregory van der Wiel) from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Alan Oliver at the Sunday People (h/t the Daily Mirror).

Perhaps this is who Van Gaal meant when he said nobody was selling?

Daryl Janmaat

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Dutch right-back Daryl Janmaat is a key member of Newcastle United's squad, registering three assists and one goal in 21 Premier League appearances this season. According to Simon Jones at the Daily Mail, United made an inquiry about the player in 2014, when he was with Feyenoord, but he moved to Newcastle instead.

Janmaat has worked with Van Gaal in the past, playing for his compatriot for the Netherlands at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. So there would be a familiarity there, but the question is whether Newcastle would be willing to sell one of their most valuable players.

Ricardo Rodriguez

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Manchester United got a close look at Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez when he started both games between the two sides in this season's UEFA Champions League group stage. So maybe it's not a surprise United were linked with the player earlier in January, as reported Sport Bild (h/t Daily Express, via Tom Olver at Metro).

However, United would have to pay £30 million for Rodriguez's services, according to that report. That's a steep fee, even for a player with loads of potential.

Mathieu Debuchy

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French right-back Mathieu Debuchy is determined to leave Arsenal this month after falling behind Hector Bellerin in the pecking order. With just two Premier League appearances to his name this season, Debuchy appears destined for the exit door at the Emirates.

"Whatever happens, even if it is to return this summer and then start again, I have to go this winter," Debuchy told L'Equipe (h/t the Press Association, via the Guardian). "I cannot stay at Arsenal.”

Debuchy wants to leave, and Manchester United need full-backs. So why wouldn't they be interested?

Well, for one thing, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger might be reluctant to sell a player to a direct rival. He had to do so in order to balance the books in past years, but that's no longer the case at the Emirates.