Manchester United Opinion: Should United sign Kostas Manolas?
According to Calciomercato, Juventus are looking to activate AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas €38million release clause this summer.
With Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in their 30’s and the departure of Medhi Benatia in January, Juventus have identified Manolas as the centre-back they need in the summer but Manchester United need to swoop in and steal the Greek away from the Italian champions.
Manchester United have been linked with AC Milan skipper Alessio Romagnoli but the Red Devils will be better off with a more experienced option in Manolas.
Although United have the numbers in the defence, there is a lack of quality and the 28-year-old Greek will fit in perfectly.
Manolas has always been in the headlines, having been linked with Arsenal before. The Greek is one of the top names in the Serie A and with such a small release clause in today’s market, he will be a steal.
Manolas has missed just three games in the Italian top-flight this campaign and is the most experienced defender in the Roma backline. The Greek also has bags of experience, with him having played close to 300 games at domestic and international levels.
The 28-year-old averages 1.3 tackles per game, 1,9 interceptions per game and a whopping 3.2 clearances per 90 minutes this season. The Greek is also brilliant in the air with an average of 2.6 successful aerial duels won per game.
The Greek also maintains a healthy pass completion rate of close to 90% and is yet to be dispossessed in over 1700 minutes of action in the Serie A.
Manchester United have been poor at the back this season and have conceded a shocking 37 goals, keeping just 7 clean sheets so far. Victor Lindelof has been United’s best centre-back so far but has had no permanent partner.
Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have been used next to the Swede but none of them has cemented a place in the team. Marcos Rojo is a long-term absentee but is nowhere near the level that a Manchester United centre-back needs to be and a new replacement is an absolute necessity for the Red Devils.
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Conclusion
Manchester United’s defensive problems will find a major solution if the Red Devils can bring Manolas to Old Trafford. The Greek’s relatively low release clause will be worth every penny and Manchester United shouldn’t think twice about making a move for him in the summer.