Jamie Ireland
Louis van Gaal will not take charge at Old Trafford until after his World Cup campaign with the Netherlands in Brazil, but even he knows United need a new centre-back.
The Express reports that Atletico Madrid defender Miranda has affirmed that his representatives have received an offer from an English club.
The Brazilian defender has also been linked with a move to La Liga rivals Barcelona, as they look to replace legendary club Captain Carles Puyol, after he retired aged 36.
It is widely believed that Miranda has a release clause in his contract, estimated around €30 million and that if that figure is met, Atletico will most likely let the defender go.
Miranda and centre-back part Diego Godin were at the heart of Diego Simeone’s defence which conceded the fewest goals (24), kept the most clean sheets (20) and won La Liga.
The 29 year-old was inexplicably left out of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil World Cup squad and he and his representatives are free to negotiate a move.
In my opinion, it was a mistake for Manchester United to let both Captain Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand leave the club at the same time, but they now must replace them.
Miranda would be an outstanding acquisition for United, and I think his physical style and aerial ability make him well suited for the English game.
However, having tasted Champions League football and come so close to winning the trophy this year with Atletico, would he really be willing to give up the chance to do it again at 29?
I don’t think so. I feel like Atletico are more than happy to keep him, but with a huge amount of debt to shift, if Barcelona meet his release clause I can him in Catalonia next season.
