FIVE players who could follow Ron Vlaar to Man United
At the present time, Manchester United do not have a concrete backline and even with everyone back to full fitness, Louis van Gaal will then need to decide who his first four choices are.
If they can finally land Ron Vlaar in January, it could open up a host of other defensive candidates hoping to earn a first team spot at Old Trafford, and in turn a spending spree to plug the holes in the Red Devils back four.
Whoever it may be, here are FIVE players that could well follow Ron Vlaar to United come January.
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Angelo Ogbonna
Name: Angelo Ogbonna
Age: 26
Position: Centre-Back
Nationality: Italy
Club: Juventus
Price: £16 million (asking price)
Angelo Ogbonna could be a great candidate for a Manchester United move mainly because of his versatility in the back line. He can play on both centre-back sides and is even used to a back three with Juventus, opening up the option Louis van Gaal to try out his 3-5-2 formation once more.
Considering their midfield presence, the club should move away from efforts to sign Arturo Vidal and lure away Ogbonna to join Ron Vlaar at the back.
Neven Subotic
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Name: Neven Subotic
Age: 25
Position: Centre-Back
Nationality: Serbia
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Price: £15 – £18 million
If Manchester United cannot land Mats Hummels, they have already considered signing his defensive partner Neven Subotic instead. Borussia Dortmund recently picked up another loss as they are yet to replicate their form from the past few seasons.
With this in mind, he should consider a fresh start at the heart of United’s back line as all spots are currently up for grabs. Louis van Gaal may turn to his academy players now, but when they are expected to get results, he may need some big game experienced players instead.
Kevin Strootman
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Name: Kevin Strootman
Age: 24
Position: Centre Midfield
Nationality: Netherlands
Club: AS Roma
Price: £80 million (asking price)
Kevin Strootman is currently Manchester United’s top target and being part of the Netherland’s setup, along with Louis van Gaal and Ron Vlaar, they possibility of convincing him to make the switch is highly likely.
Although he has been nursing an injury, his quality is known and could be open to a move if Roma and United can work out a reasonable fee. He is currently priced at £80 million, a number that looks to be too high for Van Gaal, considering he just spent around £150 million during the summer.
Nigel De Jong
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Name: Nigel De Jong
Age: 29
Position: Defensive Midfield
Nationality: Netherlands
Club: AC Milan
Price: £8 – £13 million
Nigel De Jong is a much cheaper alternative to the likes of both Arturo Vidal and Kevin Strootman and can easily build a defensive Dutch trio with Daley Blind and Ron Vlaar. Having worked together as well as under Louis van Gaal, there won’t be too much room to fit in.
Given the fact he has also played for Manchester City, adapting to the English game will be simple for him. Vlaar and De Jong could be the key to Van Gaal finally being able to showcase much talked about 3-5-2 formation.
Matteo Darmian
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Name: Matteo Darmian
Age: 24
Position: Right / Left Back
Nationality: Italy
Club: Torino
Price: £16 million (asking price)
Matteo Darmian is already being scouted by Manchester United as it seems that Louis van Gaal will be targeting a defensive overhaul given he has already built a strong enough midfield. Although centre-back is still a problem, Rafael is seen as the only right back in the squad, meaning another one for the role is needed.
Being quite young, the club may be able to save some money on his wages rather than splash on yet another high profile signing as Van Gaal may give time for him to grow into the role behind Rafael. His addition will give the squad a much needed wing back boost as he can play on either sides of the back four.