Manchester United’s mundane run in the Premier League continued this week too as West Ham United escaped with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. This also marked their fourth straight draw at home, with the club dropping more points and might soon be stripped of their tag of title contenders, if they haven’t been already.
United conceded a very early goal in the game and although they took a little time to equalise, they could never really find the winning goal. United’s faltering defence has been criticised numerous times this season with many first team players missing from the back line. Consequently, United are linked with many high profile defenders across Europe.
As per reports, United have identified Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez as a potential signing and are plotting a move for the defender coming January. Mourinho is also known to have made an inquiry for his Uruguay teammate Diego Godin.
Although Atletico will not sell Godin under any condition, the 21-year-old has recently fallen out of favour with manager Diego Simeone and has not started many games this season. It could just be the trigger United need to get their hands on him.
Gimenez was a revelation last season with his disciplined defending and matured game reading despite his young age and could be a very good addition to the United squad who are currently struggling without the services of Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling at the centre of their defence.
He has a release clause of £54 million in his current contract at the Vicente Calderon. He has appeared only twice this season in La Liga for Atletico owing to injury and has won one tackle this season with a success rate of 20%. He has also made four interceptions and 13 clearances. His vibrancy, which he is very much associated with, looks to be lacking but should be healed once he gets going.
At 185 cm, the centre back has a decent height to keep out aerial attacks at the back. His young age also gives him the scope to mature as a good centre back in the top flight of English football.
Gimenez’s strong tackling, ability to burst forward and concentration are commendable attributes and could make him one of United’s long-term prospects.
One major concern for the 21-year-old will be his regular first team chance for sure. It is quite unlikely that Mourinho will continue to use an inexperienced and young centre-back when Bailly and Smalling return. And United are highly unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season, which means he will get lesser games to show his potential.
