For just the third time in his career, Manchester United’s new manager Jose Mourinho fell to his third consecutive loss after the final whistle at Vicarage Road last weekend. The Watford clash saw no improvement in United’s game that has been on a decline since the Manchester derby. Though they won three games on the trot to start the season, the problems in the squad are now slowly taking their effect leaving United behind in the title race this early in the season. One of the biggest problems for the side has been the position of the club record signing Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman moved to the club on a world record deal this summer but is yet to score or assist so far this season. It is clear that he is not being used in his best position on the pitch by Mourinho who has used Marouane Fellaini as his partner in a 2-man midfield. The duo complement each other well in certain aspects of the game but the varied difference in their style of play has seen the club exposed in the midfield far too often for the manager’s liking. This has seen Mourinho keep tabs on a few midfielders who he wants to add to the club soon and one such player is Portugal international William Carvalho.
According to reports, the Manchester United manager is a big fan of his fellow countryman and has dispatched scouts to watch him play for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese domestic league recently.
A primary defensive outlet for his club and country, Carvalho is well suited as a lone midfielder in front of the defence. A tall, typical midfield anchor, the 24-year old was superb in Portugal’s EURO 16 victory and is a player who will add much-needed mettle to the Manchester United midfield.
Averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in the Champions League, Carvalho is a strong physical presence at the back who might actually be the man that can get the best out of Paul Pogba at Old Trafford.
Sitting deep and providing the base for the attacks, the 24-year old will complement the French international in the midfield and will relieve him of his defensive duties. He is a player who reads the game well and will provide cover for the back four which will help Pogba concentrate on the offensive side of his game.
Carvalho is an excellent passer of the ball and will fit into Mourinho’s style of play with relative ease and if he can get used to the English style of play quickly, he can be the midfield anchor that will not only add quality to the squad but help players around him prosper.
He may not be a star who will get Manchester United back to its best but he is definitely the player that Manchester United are lacking at the moment. He will walk straight into the first team if he makes the move and his expertise will help United in their search for glory this season.
United have scouts looking over him for the next few months and if all is well, he should be close to a move to the club maybe even in January. He might solve Mourinho’s problem of having to use a three-man midfield to get the best of Pogba and at his age, Carvalho is also a long-term option for the club.
His quality is rare to find in the January transfer market and if Mourinho is able to get his man, it might turn out to be one of the most effective transfers the club has made in recent times. Do you think Carvalho is the man for United to get the best of Paul Pogba?
