Home » Teams » Manchester United » 3 Reasons why Manchester United Should Sign This Super Experienced English Defender

3 Reasons why Manchester United Should Sign This Super Experienced English Defender

Since the start of the statistics revolution, everything a player does on the pitch can be measured and quantified. Whether it is the number of tackles a player makes or the average length of their pass, it had never been more easier to see whether a particular player will suit your style or not. Although there are plenty of statistics, there are still some things that can’t be measured. Things that are crucial for a footballer if he is to survive in the top-flight.

Although Manchester United have seven players in the squad who can play in central defence, they still need a another centre back. Why? Because not only are their central defenders injury-prone, they lack the necessary skills to lead a defence. Leadership is a crucial characteristic, especially for a defender. So you can certainly see why Ryan Shawcross, a former United player has been linked with the club. Here are three reasons why he would be a good signing for the Red Devils.

Is a natural leader

Ryan Shawcross - Stoke City
Ryan Shawcross – Stoke City

One of the problems United had in the summer with the departure of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra was that not only did they lose three key defenders, who had been an integral part of the club for the past few seasons, but they also lost three leaders on the pitch. If there is one thing that the current defence clearly lacks, that is a leader in the heart of the defence, organising and ensuring that the team comes through with a clean sheet.

In Ryan Shawcross, the Red Devils have a central defender, who has been the captain of his club for the fifth-straight season. A defender, who is not just big, strong and physical, but is also adept at organising his defence. And if there is one thing that the current crop of talented central defenders need, it is an experienced head to play alongside. The likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will flourish alongside an experienced player like Shawcross.

Proven Premier League defender

One of the problems that United have at the moment is that there are few world class centre backs who are available at the moment. And those that are available are simply too young, too inexperienced or too expensive to make a move for. But if the Red Devils are looking for an experienced central defender, then there are few better than the 27-year-old England international.

Having played over 250 Premier League games, the Englishman is a proven defender in England, who also had the added advantage of having played for the club as a youngster. While his aerial ability and powers of concentration are there for all to see, one other thing that would make him a huge hit at Old Trafford is his goal-scoring ability. The Red Devils haven’t had a defender who can score goals for a while now and have mostly been toothless in set pieces and the addition of Shawcross would certainly change all of that.

Ideal inexpensive candidate

Having already spent more than a hundred million pounds in the summer, the Red Devils are unlikely to spend nearly as much, either in January or next summer. With Borussia Dortmund reportedly slapping a £47m price tag on Mats Hummels, it is highly unlikely that the Red Devils will be in a position to bring him to Old Trafford, especially considering the fact that he has already professed his desire to stay at Dortmund. Which leaves the club with not too many options.

Although Shawcross’ contract runs until 2018, the lure of Manchester United, the club with whom he started his professional career would be too hard to refuse. And while it will be hard to get him in January, if the Red Devils play their cards right then they will be able to get their hands on a central defender at not just half the price being quoted for Hummels, but also someone who is proven himself as one of the best centre backs in the Premier League.

Comments are closed.