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Experienced Centre Back in Jan/Summer

Who can United realistically sign to bring a bit of leadership to that backline?

Ron Vlaar - Seems to have made improvements as a player and had a particularly good World Cup. He is well versed in the P.L and in the ideas of Louis van Gaal. But would seem like a short term, cheap and lesser fix for a club who have boasted the likes of Pallister, Bruce, Stam, Ferdinand and Vidic.


Mats Hummels - Is actually the same age as Chris Smalling but has undoubted experience and quality. Bundesliga and World Cup winner - will bring composure to the defence but will he bring authority? Would command a huge fee.

Jan Vertonghen - Has rubbed Spurs fans up the wrong with what appears to be an apathetic attitude toward playing for the club, and has been accused of showing a lack of leadership. However, clearly Spurs' most talented defender - at his best there are not many better PL centre backs. Levy would make sure he squeezes every penny out of his suitors.

Raphael Varane - Rio Ferdinand MKII. Has everything you would want in a defender and plays like a man 10 years his senior. At just 21 he has played over 100 club games winning many trophies including the UCL. Has asked for more responsibility at Madrid and is reportedly unhappy in the Spanish capital. Would cost stupid amounts and you would think Madrid wouldn't want to hear it.

Miranda - Assured and elegant, Miranda was linked with United last summer and a deal appeared to be on the cards. His lack of Prem experience coupled with his age would make it hard for United to justify the potentially large sum they would have to hand over to Atleti for.

Have I missed anyone? Who should United go for if anyone at all?

posted on 26/11/14

There's been a couple of signs i've seen from McNair that have slightly tempered my enthusiasm for him.

He's been great for his age and everything, and looks a talent. However, there was the turn Yaya Toure did on him in the City game and a turn Ramsey did against him for Arsenal... One led to City almost scoring and the other to a foul in a dangerous position.

My hope is that he is just adjusting to the speed of the game and showing a bit of inexperience against players of this calibre, rather than being a split second behind the play in general.

Just a couple of observations to keep an eye on.

posted on 26/11/14

comment by M.U.D.D - Luke Shaw makes me throb with desire (U9612)
posted 4 hours, 17 minutes ago
Not convinced about Varane, Pepe and Ramos start ahead of him and they are both clowns
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Both are very good defenders. Its fashionable to slate them but they especially Ramos is top class

posted on 26/11/14

Younes Kaboul is a good defender and short term fix

posted on 26/11/14

Smalling - Evans as the starting pair initially.

Jones on the bench initially.

McNair and Blackett in the squad.


If we but a defender, then it should be a partner for Smalling, obviously. I'd like it to be Vlaar or Shawcross personally, but I'd be happy to see Smalling, Evans and Jones trusted for this season. Their fitness is my concern, like everyone else, but not their ability. Rojo I don't rate. Doesn't look a natural center half, loses concentration, positionally weak and a poor tackler comparatively. Happy for hi to compete with Shaw at fullback, where he's much more suited, but beer a Manchester United center half for me. Hope to be proved wrong though.

comment by Busby (U19985)

posted on 26/11/14

manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 1 hour, 48 minutes ago
Yeah similar, I just personally haven't seen enough to suggest he will make it yet. All I'm saying is I've seen far more from McNair so far, both physically and technically.
______________________________________

I do agree, I really like the look of McNair.

posted on 26/11/14

comment by Januzaj's Date (U19554)
posted 40 minutes ago
comment by M.U.D.D - Luke Shaw makes me throb with desire(U9612)
posted 4 hours, 17 minutes ago
Not convinced about Varane, Pepe and Ramos start ahead of him and they are both clowns
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Both are very good defenders. Its fashionable to slate them but they especially Ramos is top class
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Watch Madrid play closely, there is a word I would use for them, I can guarantee you it is not good

posted on 26/11/14

Fabian schar? Has any1 seen this guy play he has been linked to utd since the days of fergie and now only has 6 months left on his contract.

As things stand vertoghen and hummels are tthe players I favour. On paper hummels look the better choice but Jan is proven EPL quality. I also remember hummels have a horrendous injury record until the last 8 months

posted on 26/11/14

until the last 18 months

comment by Busby (U19985)

posted on 26/11/14

Comment Deleted by Site Moderator

posted on 26/11/14

I actually think Ramos and Pepe are good defenders, it's just the fact they're both completely mental it often clouds people's judgements on them. I guess MUDD's use of the word 'clown' is slightly fair because of their idiotic behavious but in terms of actual defensive ability they pretty good.

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