Photo: Phil Jones (Getty Images)
Over the years, Manchester United has been fortunate to have some of the best defenders in world football. The Red Devils have been renown for coming up with great defensive partnerships starting with Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister. They were also able to come with Jaap Stam and Mikael Silvestre then perhaps the best partnership ever with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Sir Alex Ferguson built his United empire on the basis of bringing through academy players as well as purchasing young players and develop them into world stars. With Ferdinand and Vidic getting older the legendary manager invested in Johnny Evans from the academy as well as the purchase of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. These players were seen as the future of the club in the heart of defense because of their undoubted talent and potential.
Despite showing great promise early on, Evans has been hot and cold at Old Trafford. The Northern Ireland international was one of the reasons Gerard Pique was sold to Barcelona but he has since failed to establish himself in the team. He has shown glimpses of his ability but his major downfall has been injuries. The 26 year old is always finding himself on the treatment table, which has surely hindered his progress. Instead of improving on the training ground and working hard at his game week-in-week-out, he is nursing his injuries and not progressing.
The same can be said for Smalling and Jones, the later being the most talented of them all. Jones was praised by Sir Alex who said he could become the greatest United player of all time but if he finds himself on the medical shelf every 2-3 games he can forget about that. Jones has always been praised for his bravery and courage but there are times he goes into some unnecessary challenges and hurts himself.
Manager Louis van Gaal has made no secret of it that he wants to sign a new defender. If he does so then it means one or two of the aforementioned may be forced out of the club. The master Dutch tactician is known for giving young players a chance and he has done so with Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair.
Both from the academy, the youngsters have impressed and van Gaal’s history suggests he could continue with their development. He had targeted Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund but was unsuccessful in luring the World Cup winner to Old Trafford last summer. Reports are that he has sent scouts to keep an eye on Schalke captain Benedikt Howedes as he weighs up an offer for the 26 year old German in January. If he is successful then one or two of Smalling, Jones and Evan could be on their way out of Old Trafford.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login