From Steve Bruce to Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United have a long history of centre backs who chip in with the odd crucial goal and help the side not just in defence but in attack as well. But something that has been missing from United’s play in the last couple of seasons has been the goals from defence. That is precisely why Thomas Vermaelen’s proposed move to Old Trafford is good news. Given the departure of Vidic and Ferdinand, United are in dire need of centre backs and the 28-year-old Belgian, who had a great start to his career in England might be just what the doctor ordered for the Red Devils.
For the past couple of seasons, Manchester United have looked a distant remnant of the side that ruled the British Isles for the past two decades. The lack of creativity in midfield, problems in defence and injuries to their key strikers have all made their life hell. While the central midfield conundrum has been done to death, one key area that is just as pivotal but not given as much air time has been the centre half position.
Last season, Manchester United employed so many different centre back pairings that by the end, it was no real surprise any more. While some changes were made out of necessity, others were made because nobody was able to hold down a starting spot in the side. Now with their two most experienced defenders gone, that position looks more key than ever.
With just one year left on his contract and having already played in the Premier League for five years, Vermaelen is a relatively inexpensive but proven Premier League signing. At 28, Vermaelen will be at the peak of his powers and will, in all likelihood be the leader of a relatively inexperienced defence. Valued at around £10 million, the Belgian represents a bargain, given the going rate for experienced centre backs these days.
From a purely footballing point of view though, Vermaelen would prove to be a very good addition indeed. The Belgian’s reading of the game is second to none and has proven, from his time at Arsenal, that he is more than capable of leading his defence into battle. Not only that, the 28-year-old will give United another option during set-pieces.
As technical as Vermaelen, one of his key strengths is his ability in the air whilst attacking the ball. His goal tally at Arsenal is proof enough of his goal scoring exploits and there aren’t too many defenders as graceful as he is, while coming out of defence with the ball. Not only is he capable of picking out a team-mate with a gloriously lofted pass, but is also more than handy while shooting from distance, thanks to his canon of a left foot.
Whilst you could argue that the reason he is moving away from Arsenal is because he was unable to hold down a starting spot at the Gunners, one should also take into account the fact that he was injured for much of last season and was rarely given a run of games in the first-team. Let’s not forget, we are talking about the same guy who got the captain’s arm-band after Robin Van Persie moved to United in 2012.
While it is true that he at times can be bullied physically, and is prone to the odd error or two, that merely proves that he is still human. With just a year left on his contract, Vermaelen will be worth his weight in gold in a United shirt, as long as he stays injury-free.
While there are still a couple of question marks about his positioning and defensive discipline, given the lack of quality at the back for United, they aren’t really in a position to nit-pick over all those things. For now, United need a proven head to lead the defence and the 28-year-old Belgian centre back Thomas Vermaelen is just that.