Manchester United’s last weekend fixture against Newcastle United ended 1-0 to the Magpies at St. James’ Park. Rafael Benitez’s men notched up a famous victory after taking the lead through Matt Ritchie. Newcastle’s resolute display along with a high energy style of play saw the Red Devils struggle not only to find the back of the net but defensively as well. The entire front line somehow exposed a few of the fallacies of the Manchester defence.
It is now being reported that Jose Mourinho is fed up with the alleged incompetence of both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and the Portuguese might be hatching a plan to offload the duo in the summer. Smalling’s footballing quality has dropped heaps and bounds in recent times often lunging into rash challenges. His marking has also been below par and this is starting to not only infuriate the manager but the fans at Old Trafford as well.
Smalling’s emergence into the United team started under Alex Ferguson and in his primary years looked impressive as a young prospect. His development, however, has hit a brick wall over the past few years. He has had a prosperous career in a United shirt which has seen the 28-year-old win the Premier League twice, one FA Cup trophy and the UEFA Europa League in 2016. However, it looks like Mourinho will have to either offload Smalling or banish him to a rotational role if reinforcements do come in later in June. If the Englishman does depart here are a few clubs who can pick him up.
Arsenal
The North London side is currently carrying the worst defensive record among the top 6 of the Premier League. Their backline has looked vulnerable and teams have exploited it time and time again. Arsene Wenger was already eyeing a move for defensive reinforcement in January but could not agree on a price for West Brom’s Jonny Evans.
The Frenchman is scouring the transfer market for possible additions and Smalling might just find his rhythm back in a different climate at Emirates.
Leicester City
Mourinho has targeted Harry Maguire as one of the defenders he wants to bring in. If Leicester’s prized 24-year-old does make the move towards Manchester, Smalling can be traded away on a swap deal. With Robert Huth struggling to remain fit and Wes Morgan facing the late stages of his career, Maguire is a key figure in the Foxes lineup and his void will need to be filled up by an experienced centre-half.
Everton
Eliaquim Mangala’s loan spell is turning out to be a fruitless affair and Michael Keane is already being targeted by a host of Premier League sides. Sam Allardyce will not mind bringing in the services of a league winner.
