Signing a defender puts futures at risk at Manchester United
With Manchester United’s quest for a commanding central defender the worst kept secret in football right now, many people seem to be forgetting about the consequences.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Diego Godin, Ron Vlaar and Mats Hummels has been well documented in recent months. It’s clear to everyone that the Reds are lacking a leader in their defensive line. Someone who can organize and isn’t afraid to put their head where most wouldn’t put their feet. They also need someone who can stay fit and play 40-50 games a season.
Godin is the latest man to be linked with a possible £28.5 million move to Old Trafford and he seems to tick all these boxes. His record at Atletico Madrid is unrivalled, while he’s become one of the most consistent defenders in world football under the tutelage of Diego Simeone. At 28 years old, he’s entering his peak years and is seemingly the perfect option for Louis Van Gaal’s men. But what happens to our current crop?
Plenty have voiced their opinions about Smalling, Jones and Evans. While Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett have impressed in the first team this season, the already established first-teamers have been a worry.
Jonny Evans returned on Monday night after a 12 week injury and looked shaky. While this can be put down to rustiness, he didn’t look any better when he was fit earlier in the year. Evans is 26 now and should be entering the peak years of his career soon. But whenever he plays, he brings uncertainty. The fans are instantly on edge while if Monday’s performance is anything to go by, his colleagues seemingly go on edge too. His injury record is poor and with his performances failing to reach the standard of previous seasons, who’s to say his position at the club is secure? Evans has got experience on his side though. He came through the academy at Old Trafford and was touted as a potential candidate for the captaincy after Nemanja Vidic’s departure in the summer. He’s United through and through and if he was to leave the club it would be another big character departing in such a short space of time.
Chris Smalling’s situation is slightly different. At 24 years old he’s no longer a youngster but he’s not quite in his peak years yet. At this stage though, his ability level should be pretty clear to all. It isn’t. Smalling has shown he’s capable of being a top defender on occasion, his recent performances against Chelsea and Arsenal are examples of that. He’s very good in the air, quick and physically strong enough to deal with any striker in Europe. His concentration levels though, reflect that of a 15 year old. He gets distracted or loses his head way too often for a top level defender and his red card against Manchester City which was labelled as “stupid” and arguably cost Manchester United three points at the Etihad prove he might not be ready for a club like United. There’s no doubting that Smalling is a good defender. But good enough for Manchester United is a different story. He’s been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks and I’m not sure just how many United fans would miss him.
Jones’ situation is the most intriguing though. Phil Jones started this season strongly and was probably their best player as Louis van Gaal’s men faltered. Jones seemed to be showing great maturity and finally started to progress, showing the fine potential that led to Sir Alex Ferguson claiming he could go on to be the club’s “greatest ever player” back in 2011. Then he got injured. Jones injured his hamstring on international duty with England and hasn’t fully recovered since. He’s made his return but then suffered yet another injury which Van Gaal referred to as “shin splints” and is set to return to training this week. But Jones has just 18 months left on his Manchester United contract. With many reports claiming that Van Gaal is yet to be convinced by the former Blackburn man, he’s running out of time to prove himself. He’s got time on his side though. Phil Jones is 23 in two months time and unlike Smalling, his potential is clear. He’s a talented center-back and ticks most of the boxes mentioned earlier. His injuries are his issue. His increasing levels of maturity could help him. He may learn not to fly into tackles in training and to reserve it for games and just to save himself slightly. An experienced defender who can remain fit could be the perfect foil for him to learn from but with his contract running down, Van Gaal may decide it’s best to cash in.
Regardless of who we bring in, none of the current Manchester United defenders’ status at the club is guaranteed. All have pros and cons and it will eventually come down to who Van Gaal believes is best for the side but new signings could be the beginning of the end for some of United’s current crop.