Jamie Ireland
Manchester United’s search for a new centre-back goes on, as they look around Europe’s big clubs for an experienced top quality defender but van Gaal may already have one.
Various reports yesterday suggested that United were looking to meet the buy-out clause in Altetico Madrid defender Miranda’s contract but the club swiftly denied the reports.
Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Feyenoord’s Bruno Martins Indi are believed to be van Gaal’s main defensive targets. But he could be in for a surprise when he arrives in Manchester.
I believe he will find centre-back in the current squad who, if he puts faith in him and moulds him could be one of the best defenders in England and no I am not talking about Phil Jones.
In my opinion, Jonny Evans has everything that van Gaal looks for in his centre-back, speed, ability to read the game, aerial dominance and most of all his distribution of ball from the back.
However, the Northern Irishman has been hampered by injuries again this season. He made only 17 appearances in the league but in those games he has some remarkable statistics.
Evans won a higher percentage of his duels than any other player, a massive 74% on average. Also 74% of his tackles were successful and he won 67% of his headers. (Squawka)
If he stays fit Jonny Evans should be one of Manchester United’s centre-backs next season, but van Gaal will have to go shopping to find him a suitable partner.
He has been at the club since 2004 and at the age of 26, with a new manager and a squad overhaul, this is Evans’ time to shine.
