Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United are planning to test AS Roma’s resolve to sign Gianluca Mancini as a defensive partner for Raphael Varane
Manchester United are planning to sign AS Roma defender Gianluca Mancini as a defensive partner for Raphael Varane. Former United manager and current Roma boss Jose Mourinho considers the 27-year-old a pivotal part of his first-team squad.
The Red Devils are facing a lot of vulnerabilities in their defence and cannot rely on Lisandro Martinez’s fitness. Martinez has missed most of the current season due to a long-term injury, estimated to keep him sidelined until Christmas.
United have conceded 30 goals from 18 matches in all competitions due to which they have lost nine games. With Jonny Evans injured, Manchester United’s reliance in defense falls upon Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane.
Mancini has appeared in all 16 matches for the Italian side in all competitions this season. The 27-year-old stands 1.90 metres tall with the strength and balance to be a formidable opponent in one one-on-one duels. The Italy international is an aerial threat in set-piece situations and capable of clearing the lines in defensive situations.
The Italian is versatile enough to play as a right-back and a defensive midfielder according to the requirement. Mancini is a no-nonsense defender with toughness and aggression to go in strongly at opponents and retrieve possession.
The 27-year-old is comfortable in progressing forward with the ball and bringing it out of defence. However, top clubs commonly seek defenders known for their distribution and passing skills, which isn’t a hallmark of Mancini’s playing style.
Mancini is a passionate player and, in the past, he tended to lose his discipline and get cheap disciplinary cards. However, the 27-year-old has grown more mature in that department with age and controls his actions accordingly.
Italian publication ilRomanista reported that United want Mancini to partner with Varane and solve the defensive issues at the club. Previously, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Red Devils have a shortlist of defenders they will target in the 2024 windows.
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Mancini is an experienced defender currently playing in the prime years of his career. Whereas, the Red Devils need a no-nonsense defender that prioritizes defending and organization in the backline. Mancini fits the profile that United need but luring the Italian from Mourinho might be a tough task.
