Pranav Nair
Manchester United keen on Danish international Joachim Andersen
According to Foot Mercato (h/t The Express), Manchester United have earmarked Danish international defender Joachim Andersen as an alternative to Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane.
Andersen was a part of the Danish side that made it to the semifinals of the European Championship this summer. Their journey came to an end at the hands of England, who defeated them 2-1 in extra time. The 25-year-old played a largely limited role during the tournament.
He spent the previous season on loan at Fulham. Andersen was one of the Cottagers’ best players as they endured a difficult season that ended in relegation. He made 31 appearances for the club, scoring one goal and assisting one more. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Andersen joined Lyon for a club-record fee of £26million in 2019. He has however failed to live up to his reputation and disappointed at the Groupama Stadium. The fairly successful loan spell at Craven Cottage has however redeemed him to an extent.
The French side appear to be ready to part ways with their man for the same price they bought him for. United are in the market for a centre-back and have identified Raphael Varane as their major target. Andersen however represents a cheaper alternative.
At 25 years old, the Dane has age on his side and could develop into a dependable defender. A 6ft 4in giant, he has the physical traits necessary to compete with the best. But whether he is truly the man we need is debatable.
The likes of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are admittedly better defenders than Andersen and also are not much older than him. While the Dane might have impressed at Fulham, it could just be a case of him being a big fish in a small pond. Playing for Untied is a whole different ball game and whether he can adapt to the challenges is unknown.
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Varane is just three years of Andersen’s senior and is at a different level. United are better off paying the extra amount to land the Frenchman. After all, in the end, quality speaks for itself.
