Three reasons why Manchester United shouldn’t buy Kalidou Koulibaly
By Bence Bocsak
3. United already have a great forgotten centre back
Kalidou Koulibaly might be one of the best centre-backs in Serie A, however so far this season he has been outshone by one of Manchester United’s very own players.
Chris Smalling was never the best defender at Old Trafford, often times towards the end of the Red Devils’ season last year he struggled. But everyone else struggled too and perhaps far too often the criticism was heaped on Smalling as he was seen as an easy scapegoat.
However since making the surprising loan move to AS Roma Chris Smalling has found a new surge of confidence and has taken his football to another unprecedented level. So far this season, Chris Smalling has been one of the best centre-backs in the Serie A. In a league which concentrates its efforts so meticulously towards the art of defending that is no mean feat.
According to Whoscored.com statistics Chris Smalling has so far earned a 7.29 rating in the Serie A, scoring two goals and assisting one in 14 league games. Compared that to Kalidou Koulibaly who has only earned a Whoscored rating of 6.88 in 14 appearances and scoring and assisting no goals in the process and one might begin to wonder why the Red Devils are targeting Koulibaly in the first place.
Chris Smalling has been considerably outperforming the Manchester United target this season which raises suspicion over whether Koulibaly would be the right fit for the club. Perhaps the Red Devils should keep hold of Chris Smalling instead when his loan spell expires at Roma.
Having found a new wave of confidence in Italy, he could be a new signing at Old Trafford upon his return.
What do you think should Manchester United make a move for Kalidou Koulibaly?