Manchester United need an experienced centre-back to ease the pressure on their floundering defence. But, unfortunately for Manuel Akanji, he does not currently fit the bill.
As reported by the Mirror, the Borussia Dortmund player has admitted it would be nice to play for United one day. But, at 23, he should look at two other young centre-backs who arrived at Old Trafford only to struggle under Jose Mourinho’s guidance.
Eric Bailly looked every inch a star in the making when he signed for United. But more recently he has become the latest player singled out for his below-par showings.
Victor Lindelof arrived 12 months later from Benfica. But it took a whole season for him to really make his mark and, even now, after a stellar World Cup and improved domestic performances, he is back on the bench.
United signed two top centre-backs in their early-twenties but the problems remain. Some will argue that patience is required with both; that in time Lindelof and Bailly can be a brilliant pairing. But adding yet another 23-year-old to the mix is not the answer.
Akanji may dream of moving to United, but the club need a player ready-made to step in. If he arrived now then there is every chance he could follow Lindelof and Bailly in being written off too soon.
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