Why Manchester United should go all out to sign Ricardo Rodriguez

Back in February 2016, the Metro had claimed that Manchester United were interested in signing then Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez. However, a move didn’t materialise and he went on to sign for AC Milan the next summer.

Ricardo Rodriguez, 26, was once regarded as one of Europe’s best full-backs and his consistently impressive performances for Wolfsburg saw him seal a switch to AC Milan a couple of summers ago.

However, it hasn’t been plain sailing for the Swiss defender and despite being a regular for the Serie A side, he has not reached the heights that were expected of him.

Nevertheless, Manchester United must reignite their interest in Rodriguez and sign him this summer.

The Red Devils have had a quiet summer so far and could do with a couple of additions more before next week’s transfer deadline to ensure they make it back into the top four next season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has made an immediate impact on the club’s pre-season tour since arriving from Crystal Palace.

Wan-Bissaka has been a standout performer over pre-season and has impressed the supporters with his tackling.

It seems United have resolved their right-back problems and found a long-term candidate in the England Under-21 international. Equally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should try solving his issue at left-back.

Solskjaer wants his full-backs to attack with freedom and intensity, something which Luke Shaw didn’t do consistently over the pre-season tour.

After a solid individual 2018/19 campaign for Shaw, Solskjaer seems to have been convinced of the English defender’s quality and thus, hasn’t targeted a left-back in the ongoing transfer window.

But it’s apparent that Shaw needs competition and cover in his position, as any injury to the England international would leave Solskjaer to use either of Ashley Young or Diogo Dalot at left-back. That’s the reason why United must go all out for Ricardo Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is a proven, experienced performer who could be an excellent addition to the United backline. The 26-year-old is known for being equally adept at defending as he is going forward.

The Switzerland international’s natural dribbling abilities help him in retaining the ball in tight areas, while his defending in 1v1 situations coupled with his breathtaking runs down the left make for a real spectacle for the fans.

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Noted for his energy, pace and crossing abilities, the ex-Wolfsburg star is also a dead-ball specialist.

He possesses a hammer of a left foot with which the left-back can strike the ball with immense power and accuracy. Truly, Rodriguez could be the ideal player to compete and cover for Shaw at United.

Verdict

Signing Rodriguez would be a step in the right direction for United, as not only will he bolster Solskjaer’s backline, but also improve the club’s chances of finishing in the top four next term.