Manchester United’s defensive issues have been much publicised this season. Whilst their flaws have been masked adeptly by Sir Alex Ferguson’s free-scoring forwards, they’re there for everyone to see.
Whilst Rio Ferdinand has made a return to form this year, his legs must be beginning to creak, whilst Nemanja Vidic’s injury problems have often kept him on the sidelines. Both players have spent their careers putting their body on the line and for that reason it would be unsurprising should Sir Alex opt to use them cautiously.
Having said that, United have been in fine form defensively. Jonny Evans looks like a fine young defensive talent, whilst Vidic and Ferdinand have both looked good when called upon.
Despite this, Sir Alex has reason to be concerned. There doesn’t seem to be enough of a long-term plan in place for this defence and it may be necessary to reach into the transfer window this summer to provide a fix.
This brings me to Mats Hummels, a player who I would put forward as the ideal solution to Manchester United’s defensive dilemma.
Hummels is a 24-year-old defensive rock. The Borussia Dortmund star was a vital part of a side that topped the Bundesliga twice in a row and hasn’t slowed down this season.
His knack of making important interceptions, closing down attackers, dominating in the air and all round good judgement has earned him plenty of plaudits. It’s little wonder that he’s made the step up to the German national side.
He’s also capable of bringing the ball out of the defense and feeding it into his side’s attackers. This is a quality that Ferguson is known to admire in defenders.
Of course, quality like Hummels doesn’t come cheap. Yet his dad, who is also his agent, has spoken about the players future: “Every top footballer has ambitions to play sometime at some European clubs, which you can imagine. These include Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Manchester United.” (Source: Bild).
It’s somewhat exciting that he includes United in this list of clubs that he’d be happy to see his son get linked to. Of course, it’s upto Dortmund to agree the sale, but you get the feeling that the player in question would be willing to make the move.
So he wouldn’t come cheap, but he would provide Manchester United with defensive stability for years to come.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United be in the market for this top German talent?
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I dont nid him,all i want is ferg to bring up doz young defenders like wooton and marc kean
Yes two talented ace the like of Lewandoski and hummels are to be signed from Dortmund to Manchester United.