A new Manchester United transfer rumor started circulating in the Twitterverse, blogosphere, cyberspace and media world this weekend. It’s not too early to talk shop on this either, as the January transfer window opens in just 34 days. It’s no secret that central defense has been among the biggest issues that United have had lately.
It hasn’t helped that most of the injuries the team suffered during the Louis van Gaal and David Moyes eras, were in the back line. That trend seems to be continuing under Jose Mourinho this season.
Both Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly are currently out of action. Neither have played since the 4-0 debacle at the hands of Chelsea 35 days ago.
One outlet claims that Mourinho recognizes the need to prioritize reinforcements at the central defender position, and he’s currently on the case. The target is Jose Gimenez; here’s more:
Jose Mourinho is hopeful of signing Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez in January to solve what he feels are Manchester United’s most pressing issues at centre-half, club sources have told ESPN FC.
The Portuguese has become increasingly conscious of the fragility of that area of the pitch, as illustrated by a series of changes to the partnerships there. United have conceded 14 goals in 12 Premier League games this season, deepening Mourinho’s preseason concerns that they need a central defensive leader.
Will Atletico want to sell though? Is it really in their best interests? Otherwise this does seem like a good fit.
Not all of these Man United transfer rumors will actually happen, but they are all interesting to read nonetheless. It’s always fun to speculate who might be coming to/leaving from Old Trafford.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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