Manchester United have spent big on their defense already bringing in Eric Bailly for £30 million, but perhaps the Red Devils still need another centre-back yet?
Jose Mourinho seems fairly content with his Manchester United squad, despite the club being linked with signing a centre-back in recent weeks. The transfer window closes on on Wednesday, so United will have to act fast if they do decide to boost their defensive ranks.
Mourinho currently has five players who can play at centre-back, with Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in his squad. Rojo, predominantly a left back, has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford and seems to be unfavored by Mourinho .
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Meanwhile, the remaining four defenders seem adequate in numbers, if not universally convincing Mourinho of their merits as individuals. Bailly arrived earlier in the summer from Villarreal and is already the undisputed number one pick.
The Ivory Coast international has impressed showing power, pace, aggression and poise in his play. Although, the 22-year-old has also shown he is still learning his trade at times as well. Chris Smalling performed well last season but seems to have slipped down the pecking order under Mourinho.
Whilst Daley Blind, who also looked to be on the outside looking in when Mourinho arrived, is now playing ahead of Smalling. Blind seems to be winning Mourinho over with his assured performances. However, long term, is Blind opening his boss’ eyes to what he can bring to the team or to the squad?
And then there’s Jones. Seemingly the fourth choice centre-back at this point, Jones has had a torrid time with injuries lately. Can Mourinho really rely on his fitness? Can he put his faith in the Englishman? Jones is unreliable at best. Clumsy and a liability at worst.
The centre-back ranks seem to be lacking an obvious partner, who has the full faith of Mourinho, to team with Bailly. Not to mention dependable backup. Of the entire group, only Bailly seems to really have Mourinho’s true confidence right now.
It’s an issue the United boss must feel the need to address, but just hasn’t been able to as of yet. Jose Fonte was linked to the club not too long ago. That type of deal would have been perfect before Fonte reportedly pledged his future to Southampton. The 32-year-old is a solid, experienced player who knows the Premier League well.
Fonte could have been a stable partner for Bailly or provided competent strength in depth. Even the salary would have been reasonable by United’s standards. That option seems dead, however. And who knows whether Mourinho really was interested in the player or not.
Next: Liverpool: Time is ticking
From the outside looking in it seems like Mourinho does need somebody. The question is how urgently? Something doesn’t seem quite right with United’s options in the heart of the defense. Unconvincing to their own boss.
United have conceded just one goal in their first three Premier League games. So the team as a whole are certainly doing something right. But that is not necessarily the best indication of United’s centre-back options specifically.
Changes still need to be made. But does Mourinho need to make those changes urgently before the transfer window closes?