Familiar face could shore up Manchester United defence next term
Published:
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal could turn to a familiar face in his pursuit of an experienced central defender.
That is after the agent of Nemanja Vidic, who until recently had rubbished claims of his client potentially returning to Old Trafford, seemed to soften his stance.
Vidic has struggled to cement a place in Roberto Mancini’s line-up this year, making just 15 appearances for the Nerazzurri, and Silvano Martina is now reluctant to say whether Vidic will remain at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Speaking to FC-Inter.net, the agent said: “Will he be at Inter next season? I’m not a magician, I can’t see the future.”
United, despite conceding just 26 goals this season, have looked far from confident at the back with the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans unable to step out from the shadow cast by Vidic and partner Rio Ferdinand.
Van Gaal is a big admirer of the former Red Star Belgrade star and, unlike his predecessor David Moyes, believes the 33-year-old can still have a future with the Red Devils.
The Dutchman is likely to face competition for Vidic’s signature, with his absence from the first team set-up at Inter alerting many of Europe’s top club’s to his availability.
However, few clubs will be able to offer Vidic the adoration he receives from the United faithful and with retirement on the horizon one last hurrah with the club that turned him into a world star would surely appeal most.
United are next in action on Sunday when they welcome Tottenham to the Theatre of Dreams and despite crashing out of the FA Cup last time out, Van Gaal’s men are favourites to win the tie at 5/6.
However, with United going five games without a win over Spurs and three of those matches ending all square the draw could prove a shrewder pick at 11/4.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.
