Manchester United’s lack of defensive stability has already cost them on a number of occasions this season. At the moment the club just isn’t offering their big name attackers a solid platform on which they can start recording some impressive results. The likes of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao need a little more to work with if they’re to start putting in match-winning performances.
With that in mind, it’s fairly clear that bringing in some new defensive recruits will be a major priority for Louis Van Gaal during the January transfer window. This is one area that he just can’t afford to neglect when the opportunity to re-jig it arises.
The Red Devils have been linked to all number of exciting defensive talents, but one player who strikes me as particularly intriguing is Southampton’s star right-back Nathaniel Clyne. The 23-year-old has just broken into the England team, following a period of time where he’s been delivering some remarkably consistent performances.
He’s great on the ball, he’s a good crosser and he tracks back diligently. He’s going to get even better when he’s got a little more experience to his name, but it’s easy enough to see why a club like Manchester United might be interested in a player like Clyne – even at this stage in his development.
At the moment Clyne has 18 months left on his Southampton contract. The Metro claim that The Saints are hoping to tie him down to a new long-term deal, which could put an end to Manchester United’s interest. With the January transfer window fast approaching, I’d argue that it’s up to Louis Van Gaal and co. to show some intent.
If the player in question realises that a big club like Manchester United are interested in him, perhaps he won’t be so keen to accept a new deal at St Mary’s?
Either way, he’s not going to come cheap. The Red Devils are going to have to fight hard if they want to win this deal.
What’s your take? Is Nathaniel Clyne a good option for Manchester United? Would Southampton be prepared to let him go?
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