The highly criticized and publicly questioned Manchester United defence is supposedly about to welcome a new addition to their ranks. According to FutnSoccer and The Mirror Louis Van Gaal is keen to sign a new right-back. Antonio Valencia is currently playing at right-back while Rafael Da Silva returns from injury.
The Ecuadorian has had a shaky few seasons with fans starting to get on his back as he consistently churns out below average performances, arguably the most frustrating thing about the Ecuadorian winger is that when he does back himself he causes mayhem for opposing defenders. He is an extremely quick man capable of beating most defenders if he just backed himself to do so, but his time in the Manchester United side seems to be drawing to a close.
The Mirror suggest Manchester United have offered fellow Premier League side Everton £25 million up front and Januzaj on loan until the end of the current season to sign the Republic of Ireland right-back Seamus Coleman within the January transfer window. The Irish right-back, arguably the best right-back within the Premier League over the last two seasons, has attracted interest from Manchester United for over a year now. Coleman was reportedly at the centre of some very serious interest while David Moyes was Manchester United manager, but the poor start for the Manchester club and the contrasting great start for Everton was enough of a factor to make the Irishman stay. But with the tables now turning in this year’s Premier League seasons with the Manchester club currently holding onto third place and Everton falling fast in twelfth, only five points out of the relegation zone.
The signing of Seamus Coleman wouldn’t just spell the end of Valencia's United career at right-back, it could spell the end of his United career. If Coleman was to come in he would be first choice and Rafael would occupy a back-up position. Plus with centre backs who can slot into the right-back position when needed such as Smalling, Jones and Rojo, Valencia will find himself no longer required by the club.
The loaning of Januzaj could also work in the favour of Manchester United, as it would give him the much needed first team experience that he is currently missing out on under Van Gaal. While he was a revelation for Manchester United last season in a very poor year, he has yet to be given any real game time under the new Dutch manager. It would be best for United and Januzaj if he was to be loaned out for several months and him being loaned out to a Premier League club so he gets some top flight experience, is even better for Manchester United.
While £25 million plus a loaned player is quite a lot for any right-back, what Manchester United will be getting is a proven Premier League right-back who has been arguably the best in the league for the last two seasons. When you have an already shaky backline, teams can’t turn away the opportunity to sign such high quality players.
