Much has been made of the need for Man United manager Jose Mourinho to sign a defender this January but I think it’s the midfield that needs greater attention.
Manchester United have been in brilliant form of late and one of the main factors behind that is the team’s well-balanced midfield consisting of French star Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and the experienced Michael Carrick.
Mourinho flirted with a 4-2-3-1 formation early in the season with Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini sitting deep in midfield, giving Mata the freedom to play higher up the pitch.
This system didn’t yield good results for the club as flamboyant midfielder Paul Pogba who should have been utilized in a more attacking position due to his good dribbling ability and shot power was rather used as a defensive midfielder.
However, Mourinho seems to have finally found the right formula in midfield with Carrick sitting deep in midfielder, giving Herrera and Pogba the license to roam forward and do their thing.
The trio have complemented themselves really well and there seems to be no problem in midfield but with a closer look at the midfield, you find out that there is a lack of depth in that department.
Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger might have been considered good back-ups for both Herrera and Carrick but with the former expected to leave the club this January and uncertainty over the future of the latter, the only other option in midfield would be the unreliable Marouane Fellaini.
Mourinho has shown so much trust and belief in Fellaini who has had his own share of criticism from fans and the media. There have been question marks over the Belgian’s abilities since arriving at the club - too slow in possession, clumsy in tackling and simply just unreliable. The drop in quality from any of Carrick, Herrera or Pogba to Fellaini is very huge!
It is therefore curious, that Man United have been more heavily linked with a move for a central defender rather than a midfielder in the January transfer window. Victor Lindelof, Nelson Semedo and more recently Jose Fonte have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Man United duo Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have formed an unlikely partnership in defense and have both been impressive so far this season.
Well, it is true that they might not be the long-term option at center-back for United but with Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Daley Blind available for Mourinho to choose from, there is no need to panic as there is enough strength in central defense.
With Man United challenging on four fronts - the Premier League, Europa League, EFL Cup and the FA Cup, they will most likely need another midfielder as Herrera, Pogba and Carrick can’t play every game.
For Manchester United to improve their chances of success this season, Mourinho should look to add a midfielder to the squad rather than a defender.
Reporter : Arum Victor - I'm a freelance sports writer. Follow me on Twitter: @ChivicArum
Source: DSG
