Manchester United eyeing 2 defenders for January moves

Jose Mourinho clearly isn’t satisfied with Manchester United’s defense

The summer transfer window may have just closed, but Manchester United are already lining up their January targets. Two talented young defenders will be at the top of the Red Devils’ shopping list when the transfer window reopens.

United spent considerable time chasing both Raphael Varane and Fabinho during the summer window, but were unable to bring either to Old Trafford. Reports from England claim that Mourinho will insist on making stronger moves for both stars in January.

Fabinho, in particular, would fill a need for the club. He could slide right into the club’s starting XI. Mourinho has a high degree of comfort with him based on their time together at Real Madrid.

As it stands, the United boss has been forced to play Antonio Valencia as his starting wing back this season. He’s done an admirable job so far, but he’s certainly better suited to play higher up the pitch. The addition of Fabinho would certainly be a clear upgrade.

The case of acquiring Varane is a little less obvious. United seem to be set at centre-back after purchasing 22-year-old Eric Bailly this summer. He’s off to a great start to his Premier League career.

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His partner in central defense, Daley Blind, has also continued to grade out very well at centre back despite the commonly held belief that he’s playing out of position. His Whoscored.com player rating of 7.52 on the young season ranks fifth on the squad. He certainly hasn’t done anything to necessitate the purchase of his replacement.

Even so, Varane is the type of talent that you purchase first, and figure out how to incorporate into the squad later. He’s struggled since making the move to Real Madrid from PSG, but has found himself in Zinedine Zidane’s starting XI for both of the club’s La Liga matches this season. He’s also played quite well in both appearances.

That could take Varane off the market as far as United’s concerned. At the very least, him establishing himself as a starter for Real Madrid will make him a very expensive purchase for the Premier League giants.

There’s a lot of football to be played between now and January, but count on Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho going back into the transfer market for defensive help. Fabinho and Raphael Varane should be at the top of the Special One’s shopping list.