Having secured qualification for next season’s Champions League thanks to their fourth-placed finish; Manchester United look set to spend big once again as they look to bolster their squad in a bid to challenge for the Premier League title.
It’s set to be a busy summer at Old Trafford with arrivals and departures in the offing across all areas of the team from the goalkeeper right through to the strikers.
One area in particular that Louis van Gaal is intent on strengthening over the coming weeks is the right-back spot having seen Antonio Valencia fill in regularly with Rafael suffering from injury and a dip in form.
Barcelona star Dani Alves was hotly tipped to be the answer with the Brazilian strongly linked with a move to United, but following on from his Champions League success the 32-year-old signed a new two-year deal on Tuesday ensuring he will remain at the Nou Camp with the treble winners.
The Red Devils will now have to turn their attention to other potential targets, and with this in mind here are five possible right-backs that could be on Manchester United’s shortlist…
[interaction id=“none”]
Seamus Coleman
Everton star Seamus Coleman has become arguably the best right-back in the Premier League having continued to impress at Goodison Park over the past few seasons and looks the obvious choice to star at Manchester United.
The Red Devils continue to be linked with the Irishman who arrived from Sligo Rovers for just £60,000, but could now require a fee of around £25m.
Coleman is not only a brilliant defender, but his attacking prowess makes him a real threat going forward and he’s someone who has already shown he’s capable of picking up plenty of goals and assists throughout the season.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also thought to be interested in the 26-year-old, meaning Everton could face a real battle to keep him away from the Champions League clubs this summer.
Nathaniel Clyne
Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne is someone that has been linked with United for a good few months now, and although a potential deal seemed to have faded; with Alves’ decision to stay at Barcelona rumours have resurfaced once again.
Clyne has enjoyed a terrific season at St Mary’s helping them secure a European place thanks to a superb defensive record and the full-back appears ready made for the Red Devils.
And a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards sooner rather than later, with Southampton close to completing the signing of Sporting Lisbon right-back Cedric Soares as a replacement for the departing England international.
Matteo Darmian
Torino full-back Matteo Darmian is another potential candidate for the right-back role at United, having impressed in Serie A and also at international level with Italy.
With four goals and assists last season, the 25-year-old seems ready to make the step up to a Champions League club making him a realistic target this summer.
His passing, tackling and tracking back will make him a useful asset, and links to both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid show just how highly he is regarded.
He looks like the perfect player to work under Van Gaal, and still only in his mid-twenties has plenty of time to continuing improving ensuring he can flourish in the Premier League.
Dani Carvajal
The arrival of Porto full-back Danilo at Real Madrid this summer has cast slight doubt on the future of Dani Carvajal who could become a top class signing for the Red Devils.
The 23-year has been a regular at the Bernabeu this season and is considered as one of the most talented full-backs in European football; strong in both defence and attack.
But with the possibility of playing second fiddle to Madrid’s new signing next term, this has alerted a number of clubs including United, Liverpool, PSG and Bayern Munich who are ready to take advantage of any uncertainty.
And with David de Gea likely to return to Madrid this summer, there’s certainly a possibility that Carvajal may well be used as part of the deal.
Gregory van der Wiel
Gregory van der Wiel will certainly be a familiar option to Van Gaal who has worked with the Dutch right-back at international level, and could be a realistic option for a move to Old Trafford.
The PSG star has won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles with the French giants, but with just a year left on his contract; reports suggest he has been offered to United and could be available for as little as £7m.
The 27-year-old; who is also wanted by Roma, has a good pedigree at both club and international level, and would represent a solid buy who is strong in defence and equally adept going forward.
