Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have formed one of the most formidable defensive partnerships in recent history and to have them both leave at the same time will obviously have an impact on Manchester United. However, they will be boosted by the news that Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund has supposedly said that he’d like to play for the Old Trafford outfit.
Hummels is a player that is in a similar mould to that of Rio Ferdinand in his prime, in the way he brings the ball down open his body up and play it to a more creative team-mate. Last season he completed just over 81% of his passes.
He’s also willing to run with the ball and take players on, which can be dangerous, though he has mastered the trait. In the Bundesliga last term, Hummels made 28 successful dribbles in 23 games, had 21 shots on goal and scored twice. He also claimed two assists.
For a centre-back, that’s extraordinary.
He is also strong in the tackle, like Vidic, and can hold his own in the air. Hummels made 134 league clearances, 57 interceptions and 47 tackles.
He really is the best of both worlds and I think if United get him it would be a huge signing.