Forget Victor Lindelof – Here Are 3 Super Alternatives Manchester United Should Look To Sign

Uncertainty continues to wrap Manchester United’s pursuit of Sweden international and Benfica centre-half Victor Lindelof, and for every time a move for the 22-year-old looks certain beyond any doubt, a news of how it would likely hit some snag comes up.

It’s only a few weeks left until the winter transfer window draws the curtain, and Manchester United can’t afford to let the market close without signing a centre defender. Victor Lindelof or not, here are 3 alternatives the Red Devils can consider for that defensive role:

Gimenez

The 21-year-old is a no-nonsense defender and has been a Manchester United target for a while given his quality. The Atletico Madrid Uruguay international has also been scouted by Arsenal and Real Madrid but is currently out of favour at the Vicente Calderon despite his immense defensive qualities.

Gimenez has often been compared to fellow Uruguayan Diego Godin, as he is also full of pace, defensively aggressive and good aerially. For his age, he has a handful of senior team experience having played the Copa America twice, the one World Cup once – where he benched then team captain Lugano and has featured in 3 Champions League campaigns for Atletico.

The only obvious shortcoming Gimenez has got is his lack of discipline and his volatile temperament. It’s believed it is for that reason he lost his first team berth after almost costing Simeone’s side against Bayern in last season’s semifinal by needlessly committing Javi Martinez in the box, leading to a penalty Oblak saved.

Savic took his place in the final and has remained ahead of him ever since. Now frustrated with being constantly left on the bench, Gimenez could favour a move away this January, and he definitely has everything it takes to hit the ground running in the top flight.

Fonte

The Portuguese was a summer target of Mourinho’s but he chose to remain at the Saint Mary’s, until now. The Euros 2016 winner has reportedly handed in a transfer request at Southampton, with a January exit on his mind.

This is a clear opportunity for the Red Devils to sign their man, and there is a lot he would bring to the table apart from his Premier League experience and defensive capabilities.

Manchester United clearly lacks leadership at the back, with a lack of a constant figure in the defence for the starting XI one of such reasons. Fonte can bring that leadership and tough love a shaky United defence badly needs.

The 33-year-old is also reliably strong in the air and very physical – traits Mourinho always looks out for in his choice defenders. While he is the complete no-nonsense Mourinho type of centre-half, that he is also able to initiate the attack from the back due to his passing abilities is an added advantage.

Manolas

The Roma defender has been touted as Lindelof replacement if a move fails, and there is a reason why United have got their eyes on the 25-year-old.

The Greece international is fast, powerful and comfortable with the ball at his feet. The one-time Chelsea and Arsenal target is an aggressive defender but not the type to needless commit fouls or get booked.

Manolas’ passing abilities also stand him out, and he is a huge threat in the air at both ends due to his height. He is being considered as a very likely option if the deal for the Swedish defender falls through, and he definitely would be a great signing as he equally ticks all the boxes.