Despite Manchester United’s extravagant £140million splurge in the transfer market over the summer, they are no closer to challenging for the title this season and early performances prove that even a top four finish looks a difficult ask.
While things are certainly not as bad as last year, there are still many weaknesses plaguing the United side and none more so than in defence.
Having shipped in 16 goals so far this season, United’s weak backline has been their Achilles Heel and although the likes of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo are all talented defenders, none of them seem to possess that commanding quality to be able to lead by example from the back.
Van Gaal will most certainly have to sign a new central defender in January
As a result, it is of paramount importance that manager Louis van Gaal signs a new central defender during the January transfer window in order to solve their woes at the back and unsurprisingly, a host of names have already been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Among the many players linked with United, Stuttgart star Antonio Rudiger has been named as another candidate touted to join the Red Devils – if reports from England are to be believed.
Rudiger has been linked with United
Rudiger is another extremely talented young player to emerge from Germany in recent times and the defender enjoyed a fantastic season with Stuttgart last year. Since the retirement of Per Mertesacker, Rudiger has also managed to break into the German national team and is currently a regular for Die Mannschaft.
Due to his remarkable rise in prominence, the defender has understandably been courted by some of the very best teams across Europe and to hand a huge boost to clubs interested in his services – Stuttgart manager Armin Veh had recently conceded the fact that the German side would not be able to hold on to the services of their prized asset if a top club came calling.
Rudiger is a very talented young player
Now with Rudiger seemingly being made available, it is believed that van Gaal is planning to make a swoop for the young man in January and is said to be willing to splash as much as £15million to secure the services of the 21-year old.
If the rumored transfer does indeed go through, Rudiger would most certainly be a good addition to the ranks at Manchester United and while the young man’s inexperience may be a concern, he is more than capable of dealing with the physical demands of the Premier League.
What Do You Think? Will Rudiger be able to solve all of United’s problems at the back OR is he too young to handle such a responsibility?
