Why Manchester United should avoid signing Eder Militao in January
According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are interested in FC Porto defender Eder Militao.
The 20-year-old Brazilian signed for FC Porto from Sao Paulo earlier in the summer and has made 13 appearances so far this season, catching the attention of Jose Mourinho with his impressive performances. The Red Devils, however, could face competition from Manchester City and Everton for Eder Militao, adds the report.
Given Eder Militao is turning heads across Europe, should Manchester United make a move for him in January?
It is clear Manchester United are in dire need of defensive reinforcements after conceding 21 goals in 13 league games so far this season.
Jose Mourinho wanted a central defender in the summer as he was not confident with the options he had in his squad. The failure to sign one has resulted in the Red Devils being very porous at the back.
Mourinho targeted Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld in the summer, but United were put off by Spurs’ demand of more than £50million for the 29-year-old. Interest in Alderweireld suggests that Mourinho wanted an experienced, powerful and a ball-playing defender who could come in and solve United’ immediate defensive woes.
In that case, Eder Militao would be a bad choice for the Red Devils. Militao has enjoyed a meteoric rise in a year or so.
The youngster only arrived at Porto ahead of the current campaign from Brazilian club Sao Paulo, but he’s quickly made an impact in the Portuguese top-flight and the UEFA Champions League. He’s also versatile, as he can play as both as a centre-back and as a right-back.
Militao has done really well in Porto colours, establishing himself as one of the coveted young defenders across Europe. At such a young age, he has already earned one cap for the Brazilian national side.
Truth be told, the 20-year-old may fit United’s profile of a young and promising central defender, filled with top potential but Mourinho already has the likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof in his ranks. Both Bailly and Lindelof are 24 and have a long way to go to become world-class defenders United expect them to be.
What United need now is an experienced defender, a leader who can plug the holes in the backline and also nurture the likes of Lindelof and Bailly.
A lack of organisation and the absence of a leader has been the prime reason for United’s awful defensive displays this season and unless Mourinho gets an experienced head, his team could get worse moving forward.
Read more: Handing a new contract to £37m star is a must and Man United shouldn’t hesitate – agreed?
For all the talent and promise Militao has shown so far at Porto, United should avoid splashing the cash on him in January. Instead, the Red Devils must look out for an immediate fix in defence, even if it means breaking their bank for a player.