On the basis of the start that Manchester United have made so far this season, it is clear that manager Louis van Gaal will need to acquire the services of a new central defender if the Red Devils are to achieve their ambition of finishing in the top four this season.
As a result, it has been widely reported that van Gaal will be eyeing a move for either Ron Vlaar or Mats Hummels during the January transfer window and even if the Dutchman does eventually miss out on his top two targets – a new central defender looks certain to be arriving at Old Trafford before the end of the January transfer window.
Van Gaal will certainly have to sign a new defender in January if United are to finish in the top four
Amid all the players being linked to United, a surprise name in Sporting Lisbon defender Mauricio has now emerged as a shock candidate to be joining United in January after he revealed that the Red Devils are interested in his services.
The 26-year old claimed that Manchester United have already launched an enquiry to Sporting Lisbon regarding his availability and hinted that a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards soon.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Esporte UOL, Mauricio said, “They [Manchester United] sought my manager, Carlos Goncalves.
Mauricio has emerged as a shock target for United
“But I am centred, focused and a very calm person. It was not a certain thing. Here at Sporting, people like me very much and I am very happy.’’
While Mauricio is most certainly not a well known name to Manchester United fans, he has been linked with the Red Devils in the past as well and is considered a very talented defender. Mauricio made his name with Brazilian side Palmerias and recently earned a move to Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.
The 26-year old has acquitted himself well at the Estádio José Alvalade since his move to Portugal, forming a wonderful partnership at the heart of the defence alongside current Manchester United star Marcos Rojo last season and Louis van Gall may well ponder reuniting the two at Old Trafford as well.
What Do You Think? Will Mauricio be a good signing for Manchester United or is he simply not good enough to solve United’s huge problems at the back?
