The transfer window closes on the last day of this month and the new manager reportedly has an aim to sign another player, a defender maybe, to make his team further strong.
Each of Jose’s signing this season has been top class, and there is no doubt that the next one will be no less. No matter how strong and intimidating the squad of Red Devils looks, they certainly do need to check their defensive line-up, ensuring nothing is lacking.
Telegraph has reported that Manchester United’s manager is still hopeful of one more big-money buy: Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.
The French defender has been linked with the Manchester club on numerous occasions since Jose was appointed, but the club chose to sign Eric Bailly instead. However, with Mourinho still supposedly after another central defender, the source has stated that he will make a move for the Real Madrid centre-back.
Meanwhile, there are is also news of United being linked with Southampton’s centre-back Jose Fonte. And according to various sources, Fonte favours a move to Manchester United over Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Both Varane and Fonte are great options to buy in this summer transfer window. But it is quite a dilemma to choose which one.
Raphael Varane (stats from Squawka)
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 23
Height: 6’2
Nationality: France
Stats (La Liga 2015/16)
Appearances: 26
Shot Accuracy: 17%
Total Chances Created: 1
Avg. Pass Accuracy: 88%
Avg. Pass Length: 20m
Avg. Duels Won: 51%
Avg. Defensive Actions: 7
Total Defensive Errors: 2
Red Cards: 1
Yellow Cards: 5
Characteristics:
- Aerial Threat
- Good passer
- Weak at tackling
- Fouls Often
Jose Fonte (Squawka)
Club: Southampton
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 32
Height: 6’1
Nationality: Portugal
Stats (EPL 2015/16)
Appearances: 37
Total Goals Scored: 2
Shot Accuracy: 44%
Total Chances Created: 5
Avg. Pass Accuracy: 84%
Avg. Pass Length: 22m
Avg. Duels Won: 57%
Avg. Defensive Actions: 9
Total Defensive Errors: 3
Red Cards: 1
Yellow Cards: 4
Characteristics:
- Tactician
- Good tackler
- Physically Strong
By the looks of the stats, Fonte is miles ahead of Varane, also considering the fact that his stats are better despite playing for a more competitive and faster league.
The Portuguese defender is the main wall for his club whereas Varane is not preferred as much as Pepe and Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid. We’ve seen Fonte being an asset for the Saints and also giving a decent performance at the EURO for his national team.
If Jose Mourinho has to sign a player out of these two, Fonte is clearly the right choice.