Manchester United are back on track in the Premier league with 3 wins on the trot. Jose Mourinho oversaw a difficult period after a promising start to the season and was expectedly put under the scanner by the pundits and the media. But with the ammunition at his disposal, it was a matter of time before things started to click and that seems to be exactly what has happened.
But Mourinho still has a fair bit to worry about. They are still a fair way off the Top 4 and after having missed Champions League this season, cannot afford to do so now. And considering they do make it to Europe’s elite competition next year, their defensive quality and depth are not up to the mark. Yes, the likes of Phil Jones and Marcus Rojo are playing well at the moment and he has invested in Eric Bailly in the summer but the likes of Rojo and Blind are not conventional centre-backs. Phil Jones is too injury prone to be counted upon throughout the season while Smalling has been unable to shake off his inconsistent tag.
Considering this and the apparent plan to re-invent this club as the big powerhouse and feared institution, all the departments need considerable face-lifts.
And as a small step towards that direction, it is likely why Jose Mourinho is interested in signing the Dutch defensive rock- Virgil Van Dijk. Apparently, the price being discussed for the transfer is £40m. yes, £40m for Van Dijk. You heard that right.
The arrival of the Dutchman will certainly help United at the back. The Dutch international has played a pivotal part in Southampton’s fantastic start to the season. They are currently in the 7th position with their latest match ending in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
The 25-year old has a tackle success rate of 68% and has made 23 interceptions and 83 clearances. Van Dijk is tall and has a good physique. But one of his most attractive quality is his comfort on the ball. He has the ability to launch long cross-field passes and is a serious threat from set pieces as well. He is someone who can certainly solve a lot of problems for Jose and his team.
Van Dijk had joined Saints in the summer of 2013 from Celtic. Since his arrival at the club, he has been a regular, partnering Jose Fonte after Dejan Lovren moved to Liverpool.
His consistency has attracted a lot of interest in the recent past with several top clubs keeping an eye on him. With United in the race along with a couple of fellow domestic competitors, it will be interesting to see which club gets their hands on this peach of a defender and solidify their back line and title charge.
