Man Utd must target a centre-half – Ryan Giggs

Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2018 by squawka.com

Ryan Giggs believes it's "vital" that his former club Manchester United sign a central defender this summer.

The RedDevils finished the 2017/18 season as runners-up to neighbours and rivals City, their highest position since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013, but the gap was an eye-watering 19 points.

The expectation is United will be active this summer with club legend Giggs, who lifted 13 league titles across 24 seasons, advising the powers that be look at the midfield area but also strengthen the centre of defence.

Man Utd must target a centre-half – Ryan Giggs

"In midfield I'd like to see – we've been saying it for a long time, we thought Pogba would be that attacking midfielder I would like to see," he said (via MEN).

"They don't grow on trees unfortunately, a Modric, a Kroos type who can keep the ball. And also I think a centre half we need.

"All the successful United teams over the years – (Gary) Pallister, (Steve) Bruce, Jaap Stam, (Rio) Ferdinand, (Nemanja) Vidic – they've always had top class centre halves.

"Again, they don't grow on trees. Who do we get, I don't know, but I think a midfielder and centre half are vital."

Is defence the issue?

Mourinho used no fewer than five centre-backs last season, including Victor Lindelöf who joined the Red Devils ahead of the 2017/18 campaign, with Chris Smalling (46) making the fourth most appearances of any player under him.

Even though Mourinho's side were the lowest scorers of any side in the top four, they boasted a mean defence, conceding 28 goals – only beaten by City who shipped in one goal less – as well as keeping the most clean sheets (19).