Jose Mourinho would solve Man United’s leaky defence by signing this 27-year-old wall – Opinion

Why Manchester United should sign Pablo in January

According to a report in Sun Football, Manchester United have enquired about the possibility to sign Bordeaux centre-back Pablo in January. Manager Jose Mourinho is desperate for defensive reinforcements during the next transfer window.

The move won’t happen on a cheap for the Red Devils as the player is contracted with the Ligue 1 up until the end of 2020-21 season. The 27-year-old only returned to Bordeaux earlier after spending the whole of 2017 in Brazil, after struggling to make a name for himself. (Sun)

However, the Brazilian has returned better than ever and is enjoying a fine season with the French club. As a result, he was called for the national team duty – playing against Saudi Arabia and Cameroon.

Overseeing all these things, United have developed an interest in the player. Here’s why they should sign sooner rather than later:

Pablo could be the defensive enforcement Jose needs

Pablo is a strong and physical centre-back whose height (188cm) helps him to dictate the game physically against the centre-forwards. He reads the game well, making interceptions at the rate of 1.1 and 2.4 in Ligue 1 and Europa League respectively. The Brazilian doesn’t dive into tackles all the time, which is a good thing from a centre-back’s point of view.

His aerial duel winning rate of 2.6 and 4.4 respectively in the two competitions mentioned above are just fantastic. It means he can not only be defensively good with headers but is also a genuine threat from attacking set-pieces. Mourinho prefers his centre-backs to be good in the air.

In spite of his physically strong presence, Pablo possesses a quick turn of pace to make recovery runs whenever required. He is also calm on the ball, with a pass success rate of over 85% in both competitions.

Manchester United have struggled defensively like anything. They have conceded 26 goals in 16 league games, which is uncharacteristic of a Jose Mourinho team. The Portuguese’s game is based on keeping clean sheets, and if that is not happening, the club are where they are – sixth in the table.

Hence, it makes sense that he is desperately looking for a quality centre-back to address this situation. Pablo can be a fantastic addition to the team simply because of the fact that he possesses the qualities required of a Mourinho-centre-back.

Read More: Forget it Mourinho – Man United are definitely better off without this 18-year-old with £7m buyout clause

Thus, United should pay the big bucks in the winter window and get the Brazilian over the line at Old Trafford.

Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com