Manchester United’s need for tightening the defensive back line is well documented given their start to the season. However the problem ranges back in the summer when United let go Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra without finding suitable replacements. The Red Devils did bring in Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw from Sporting Lisbon and Southampton respectively, but that has hardly solved their problems. Moreover new manager Louis Van Gaal has had to deal with niggling injuries to Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Johnny Evans. This has prompted a real headache and they have had to call up youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett in their starting eleven. The Red Devils are sure to buy a defender, a centre back primarily in the upcoming January transfer window.
However, a certain report from English media outlet DAILY EXPRESS have hinted otherwise. The tabloid have mentioned that United would be willing to sign Ashley Cole in the winter. The left back is currently playing at Italian side Roma and has failed to impress making poor mistakes. It is believed that Roma manager Rudi Garcia is not happy with the ex-England international and believes that Cole isn’t a proper fit in the side’s high intensity game style at the Italian capital. He has also instructed the club’s hierarchy to find a suitable replacement.
The report through from DAILY EXPRESS sounds astonishing. They have made a case stating “reports from Italy” but haven’t mentioned the link from where they picked the story. English sources are known from ages to sensationalize news stories and recast them differently to gain page-views. Why would United seek a left back after signing Shaw and Rojo who also play in similar roles. In fact if the 33 year old can’t play in the slow paced Serie A, how would Louis Van Gaal even think to place him in his squad.