Report: Manchester United Eye £12m Star To Fix Defensive Woes In January

Manchester United have identified Zenit and Argentinian center back Ezequiel Garay as a potential January signing. According to British tabloid Mirror, United sent two scouts to watch the 28-year old in action against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday’s Champions League encounter.

Garay joined the Russian side last summer and signed a contract that runs till 2019, however, this hasn’t detracted United who were linked with a move for Garay before he signed for Zenit. Manager Louis Van Gaal wants to sign a center back in January and it’s probably the only area that needs immediate addressing. United have been really shaky at the back and have conceded 12 goals in 8 games so far. Their defence struggled to cope with the 3-5-2 system employed by Van Gaal earlier in the season which led to the Dutchman reverting to a more natural four at the back system. Despite the change, new summer signings Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo are yet to shine for the team.

On the other hand, those who were already at the club have failed to impress the new manager. The likes of Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Rafael have made key mistakes that have cost the club in certain games. The addition of Garay will add a sense of leadership and quality to the backline as the Argentina international has plenty of experience and pedigree of playing in big leagues. Garay could favor a move to Old Trafford if the opportunity came as he would form a partnership with his Argentine teammate Rojo in the defence.

United and Van Gaal will however have to fork out a fee larger than £12m that Zenit paid for his services. He still has more than 4 years remaining on his contract and joined recently, so it’ll take some convincing for Zenit part ways with him. United have been linked with the likes of Mats Hummels, Gerard Pique and Angelo Ogbonna in the recent weeks.