More Tackles Than Carrick: Manchester United Linked With Ex Manchester City Midfielder, But What Could He Offer?

Manchester United were accused of having a bit of a limp midfield last season, with Marouane Fellaini providing the only bit of aggression of the central players. Michael Carrick can rake the ball all over the pitch for 90 minutes and Tom Cleverley can make sideways passes, but neither will get in amongst the tackles or make life difficult for the opposition. Perhaps that’s the reason why they are being linked with this former Manchester City battler.

Nigel De Jong is one of football’s most notorious hard men and his high boot on Xabi Alonso is now one of the most famous challenges.

He isn’t the most technically-blessed player on the planet, but he is a nightmare to play against. He will hassle opponents in the middle of the pitch and make niggly tackles to make life awkward, and although it can lead to needless bookings, it is very effective for his team-mates.

Last season he played 33 Serie A games for AC Milan and made 91 interceptions, which is 11 more than Carrick managed. He also made more tackles, completed a higher percentage of his passes, though he gave away nearly four times as many fouls.

The free kicks that he concedes is just a small price to pay for a player like De Jong, who could really make a difference in the middle of the park at Old Trafford.