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15 Goals As A Full-Back – Why This Explosive Defender Could Be The Solution For Manchester United’s Right-Back Issues

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Jose Mourinho is one coach who loves to assign specialists to the key positions in his squad, and the defence is always a great concern for the Manchester United honcho. In light of this, the January transfer window could see one arrive in Everton‘s full back Seamus Coleman.

Reports say Mourinho has made the 28-year-old Irish his topmost priority for the winter market, and he insists Ed Woodward pays £16million to land the right-back.

The current 1st choice right-back for the Old Trafford outfit, Antonio Valencia, hasn’t had a bad outing in any of his 7 league games this term. Though a makeshift defender, the Ecuadorian has made the position permanently his with a lot of impressive displays over the course of the last 2 seasons.

So, why is Jose so keen on bringing Seamus Coleman from the Goodison Park to Old Trafford?

Coleman is one of the best in the EPL

Since arriving Everton from Sligo Rovers 7 seasons ago, the Ireland captain has established himself as a veteran in the role. Under Koeman, Coleman has been part of a solid rock backline that has conceded just 5 goals in 7 league games this term.

With over 180 EPL appearances and 15 goals, Coleman has demonstrated how well he has grown over the years. His mastery in defending the ball and quelling attacks on the right wings are second to none. And it’s understandable why United in time past tried to land him.

3 seasons ago, David Moyes tried to lure his old charge at Everton into joining the Red Devils, but he stayed put at Merseyside. That same season, Coleman made it into the PFA Team of the Year, and also scooped Everton’s Player’s and Supporter’s Player of the Year awards as he helped the club to a 5th place finish.

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He is a long-term solution and competition

At 28, the Irish defender is at the peak of his career and still has the possibility of playing at the top level for 4/5 more years. That makes him one that can be relied upon for the next couple of years as opposed to the 31-year-old Valencia.

On the other hand, many won’t doubt the possibility of him walking right straight into Manchester United’s starting XI. He is more experienced in the role as a natural right-back when compared to Valencia.

Having someone of such quality will raise the competition level within the squad, especially in terms of providing competition for the Ecuador international who hasn’t had anyone to challenge his spot.

Coleman will bolster United’s options

Manchester United’s primary backup option Darmian is set to leave by January as he’s being considered surplus to requirements at the moment.

That leaves the club with Fosu-Mensah as the only reliable option on the bench. But the Dutch youngster still has a lot of growing up to do, and Jose can’t trust him enough to afford him very frequent playing time. Or throw him into the fray if Valencia becomes unavailable.

In that scenario, Seamus Coleman will be a perfect man to add quality depth to the defensive ranks. And if peradventure and by any means necessary, the Red Devils are able to snatch him from Koeman’s firm grip, then his transfer should be considered a massive coup.

Such a player makes the team complete with the level of experience and array of talents he brings to the fore.