Whilst there had been speculation surrounding Manchester United and Marquinhos earlier this summer, this seemed to peter out when Paris Saint Germain arrived on the scene. The cash-rich Ligue 1 giants had looked certain to secure a £25m deal for the Roma defender, but this now seems to have fallen through.
Perhaps PSG are just too busy adding to their already sterling forward line, to even contemplate adding further bodies to their defence?
Either way, PSG’s stalling has opened the door and Manchester United have step back into the frame. Marquinho’s agent, Roberto Calenda recently told the Press:
“There are offers from PSG, Manchester United and Barcelona – and Roma could accept one of them.” (Source: The Metro)
That sums it up nicely. Marquinhos has attracted a lot of attention from the European elite this summer and it’s good to see Manchester United piling in. I only wonder if they’ve lodged a bid that would make Roma sit up and listen.
United have a pressing need to sign another centre-back this summer. Nemanja Vidic’s injury problems are well documented. Unfortunately, the big Serb can’t be relied upon to play a full season. Then there’s Rio Ferdinand, who is getting on in years. It’s surely only a matter of time before his legs start to go and he starts to offer diminishing returns.
Combine this with the inexperience of some of United’s younger defenders and there’s a clear need for action in this summer’s transfer market. Marquinhos could be just the tonic to soothe United’s defensive ailments. There’s been a lot of talk about Benfica’s Ezequiel Garay this summer, but this Brazilian would be a far more exciting acquisition.
Yes, he’s just 19-years-old, but he plays like a mature, level-headed defender. He’s got an expert reading of the game, positions himself well and is strong in the tackle. These aren’t qualities that usually attach themselves to young defenders, but Marquinhos isn’t your usual defender.
Besides, the continued presence of Rio and Nemanja will allow Marquinhos some time to settle into the United first team.
Manchester United signing him would be the equivalent of when Real Madrid signed Raphael Varane. Despite his age, it would be a genuine coup. I have little doubt that the highly-rated Brazilian would be able to make his mark at Old Trafford fairly quickly. Heck, before long, I wouldn’t be surprised if he established himself as a firm fan favourite.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United turn their attention to signing Marquinhos?
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