Arsenal
Vermaelen, Martins Indi & de Vrij To United? Who Should Manchester United Really Go For?
Louis Van Gaal
With the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United have been left short at the back. Not only are they now short on numbers, but on quality as well, as their departure marks the loss of their two most experienced central defenders. Although Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have shown that they can ably deputise in their absence, it remains to be see how they fare when they are given the bulk of the responsibility.
Jones and Smalling in particular are two young defenders, who still have a lot to learn about playing as the main central defender. Their versatility has been their biggest undoing so far. Because they were capable of playing at right back or an emergency midfielder (in the case of Jones) they hardly ever got to play at their more natural centre back position. With Vidic and Ferdinand gone, now they will have to step up and play there.
While there is no doubt that they can certainly do a good job at the back, their development would enhance immeasurably if only they had a more experienced partner to learn from. As a result, one of the main areas that the Red Devils have targeted this summer is central defence. They might have signed Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw already, but unless they sign a centre back or two, the going will be pretty tough for them next season.
With that being said, let us take a look at the three centre backs that the Red Devils have been linked with throughout the summer. Feyenoord duo of Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi are two players who have been constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford thanks to their Dutch connection. In fact, some reports have said that the club have already agreed a fee for de Vrij. The third centre back is, somewhat surprisingly, Thomas Vermaelen whose contract with the Gunners expires at the end of the 2014/15 season.
While all three of them are undeniably talented, let us take a closer look at who fits the bill for United. The three main criteria of comparison is their defensive contribution, their threat going forward and their suitability to the club.
Defending
Defensive contribution of de Vrij, Martins Indi and Vermaelen in the League last season
| de Vrij | Martins Indi | Vermaelen | |
| Games Played | 32 | 26 | 14 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
| Tackles won | 1.8 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| Clearances | 6.5 | 4.9 | 5.8 |
| Blocks | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| % of Aerial duels won | 59 | 50 | 62 |
| Fouls committed | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
The fact that de Vrij and Martins Indi were regulars for Feyenoord last season and Vermaelen was out injured for most of the season means that it isn’t exactly an apples-to-apples comparison. Even then, in terms of their defensive contributions de Vrij comes out on top. Whether it is interceptions made, tackles won, clearances made or shots blocked, de Vrij comes out on top on all of them. The only area where he isn’t on top is in the percentage of aerial duels won, but even that is only marginal.
One of main reasons for Feyenoord’s success was their three-man defence and de Vrij emerged as the main man in those three and the numbers prove that. Whether it was positioning himself perfectly or timing his tackles and interceptions, de Vrij managed it all with consummate ease. Although only 22, de Vrij has shown that not only does have what it takes to be a great defender, but also a great leader on the pitch. And that is perhaps the reason why defensively, he is the best of the three players in question.
Attacking threat
Offensive contribution of de Vrij, Martins Indi and Vermaelen in the League last season
| de Vrij | Martins Indi | Vermaelen | |
| Games Played | 32 | 26 | 14 |
| Goals/ assists | 4/1 | 2/1 | 0/1 |
| Chances created | 10 | 13 | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 87 | 86 | 91 |
| Passes | 45.2 | 38.4 | 21.9 |
(All stats per Whoscored)
As he showed against Spain, one of de Vrij’s biggest strengths is attacking the ball from set-pieces. His tendency to go forward and attack the ball, means that he is a major threat from set pieces and that is evident from the fact that only three defenders scored more than de Vrij in the Eredivise last season. Not only is he threat from set-pieces, he is also adept at starting attacks from the back.
The same is true for Vermaelen, whose forays from the back have helped score quite a few goals over the past few seasons. Although his numbers aren’t nearly as impressive as either de Vrij’s or Martins Indi’s, that is only because of his injury last time around. Even still, Vermaelen managed to finish with a passing accuracy in excess of 90, one of the best for a defender in the Premier League. Although his numbers aren’t great, Vermaelen is a constant threat not just from set-pieces but also from long range, thanks to his bullet of a left foot. As a result, he is the more potent threat attacking wise, even if last season’s stats don’t quite drive home that point.
Suitability to club
All three of Manchester United’s current centre backs are right-footed, which means that, aside from being experienced, someone who is left-footed would be the ideal for the club. If that is the case, it is a toss-up between Martins Indi and Vermaelen. Although the Dutchman is younger, the fact that Vermaelen is accustomed to the Premier League is something that is firmly in his favour. Not only that, he also presents a less-risky proposition, even if he didn’t have the greatest of seasons, last time around.
Verdict
In terms of ability at the back and going forward, de Vrij is a more all-round package. And the fact that he is only 22, also adds to his credentials. But for all his credentials on the pitch, his inexperience counts against him. Already in the World Cup, he has shown that he isn’t perfect. Seeing as how United already have three talented young centre backs, they will be looking for a more experienced head to guide them through and de Vrij isn’t that.
As a result Vermaelen just pips de Vrij to the post, by virtue of having played in the Premier League and being more experienced. The fact that he is in the last year of his contract and wouldn’t be too expensive is also in his favour, so he would be the more obvious choice for United. But if Van Gaal decides to go for two centre backs then de Vrij should be an automatic choice.
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Arsenal confirmed on January 9, 2026 that Jodie Taylor has been appointed as the club’s first ever Technical Director.
The 39-year-old former England striker moves up from her existing role as Technical Services Manager, a position she has held since September 2023 following her retirement from professional football.
Taylor’s promotion comes on the same day Arsenal announced Renee Slegers’ new contract extension through 2029, creating a strategic restructuring of the women’s football department.
A Decade Long Arsenal Connection
Taylor’s relationship with Arsenal spans ten years since first joining as a player in 2016. She scored 10 goals in 17 appearances during her initial spell before returning on a short-term deal in March 2023. Taylor earned 50 plus England caps during her international career and won the Golden Boot at Euro 2017.
She represented her country at the 2015 Women’s World Cup finishing third and played for multiple elite clubs including Lyon, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave throughout her career.
Strategic Structural Development
Taylor’s new role bridges critical areas of football operations including recruitment, analysis, coaching and performance support. She will work closely with Renee Slegers on a daily basis as the Technical Director, providing structural support for coaching decisions and squad development.
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley praised Taylor’s appointment as integral to continued development of the program as Arsenal challenges for major trophies consistently. Wheatley will now focus on upward management across UEFA, FIFA and domestic boards while Taylor handles day to day operations.
Building a High Performance Environment
Taylor expressed immense pride stepping into her new position, emphasizing Arsenal’s remarkable growth over the past decade. She committed to nurturing a high-performance environment where players, coaching staff and support teams have the right tools to deliver at the highest level.
Her appointment represents investment in female leadership within Arsenal’s technical infrastructure, aligning with the club’s commitment to developing their women’s program systematically and strategically moving forward into their next phase.
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
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