Where exactly is it going wrong for Manchester United this season?
Many have pointed the finger at David Moyes but it’s fair to say injuries and underperformers have only increased his problems.
From an attacking perspective, neither Wayne Rooney nor Robin Van Persie have been able to score on a consistent basis compared to recent seasons. However, Juan Mata’s £37.1million arrival in January will provide the duo with more opportunities, as will the continuing development of rising teenager Adnan Januzaj.
At the other end of the pitch, the Red Devils’ problems don’t have any promising solutions. Their defence has leaked in a variation of goals, which never occurred under Sir Alex Ferguson. With Nemanja Vidic announcing he will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season and Rio Ferdinand’s future unclear, it’s obvious United need reinforcements at the back in the summer.
Here are five possible options for David Moyes.
MATS HUMMELS
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Nation: Germany
Age: 25
Hummels has become one of Europe’s most highly rated centre-backs after establishing himself in recent seasons. The 25-year-old formed a formidable defensive partnership with Neven Subotic as Borussia Dortmund won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side are rapidly losing touch with Bayern Munich, which could convince Hummels to follow Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski out of the club.
ELIAQUIM MANGALA
Club: FC Porto
Nation: France
Age: 23
If David Moyes is looking for a long term solution in United defence, he should look no further than 23-year-old Eliaquim Mangala. The Frenchman was heavily linked with neighbours Manchester City in January but United could equally do with his services. Mangala stands at a commanding 6’2″ and played a major role in FC Porto winning the Primera Liga last season.
THOMAS VERMAELEN
Club: Arsenal
Nation: Belgium
Age: 28
The Arsenal captain has struggled for games this season due to the impressive defensive pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. At 28, Vermaelen still has time left to restore his reputation as one of the best centre-backs around but will need regular playing time to do so. The Belgian offers David Moyes an option with a solid level of Premier League experience.
PHIL JAGIELKA
Club: Everton
Nation: England
Age: 31
David Moyes revisited former club Everton in the summer to sign Marouane Fellaini and showed interest in Leighton Baines too. If he’s looking for a short term option until Phil Jones and Chris Smalling fully develop then 31-year-old Jagielka could offer a decent service for the next couple years. Like Vermaelen, the former Sheffield United man has years of Premier League experience and is expected to be a regular for England at this summer’s World Cup.
EZEQUIEL GARAY
Club: Benfica
Nation: Argentina
Age: 27
In the last few years, Garay has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. David Moyes stands a realistic chance of signing the Argentine as Benfica have been known for selling their best players in the past, including Angel Di Maria, David Luiz, Fabio Coentrao and most recently Nemanja Matic. Not only does Garay read the game well but he also possesses composure on the ball which would help United begin attacks from deep effectively.