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Recently, transfer guru Ben Jacobs painted a clear picture of what Manchester United’s summer transfer window could look like.
Jacobs confirmed the obvious: United are keen to strengthen their midfield, secure a perfect left winger and also sign a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee.
Versatile left back on the menu
However, he went on to specify another position that INEOS is determined to strengthen, highlighting the unique player profile it is aiming for. He declared: “Manchester United is expected to target a versatile left back.”
Still, finding such a versatile option won’t be as easy as simply identifying the need.
Players of this form are rare. First it must be decided whether this versatile left back should also be able to play as a left-sided centre-back, or whether he should be able to move higher up the pitch and play as a winger.
Hints show that the preference is for a left back who can also play as a central defender. After all, there is little need to sign someone who plays further forward if Patrick Dorgu already offers that option.
Furthermore, if Michael Carrick gets the job, he would likely argue for a full-back who can also double as a centre-back. There are notable similarities between Carrick and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, who both worked together as assistants to Ole Gunnar Solskjær at United.
They share tactical tendencies: they prefer full-backs who rarely join the attack, combined with wingers who are dominant on their natural foot. McKenna has often deployed Axel Tuanzebe as a right-back alongside a right-footed winger. At the same time, Carrick has deployed Luke Shaw at left-back, who no longer ventures forward as much, and has shown an intention to play Dorgu as a left-footed winger.
Schlotterbeck perfect for United
Given this profile, United should look no further than Nico Schlotterbeck.
The Borussia Dortmund star is fascinating and brutally complete. He is arguably the best left-footed left-back/left-sided centre-back in the Bundesliga, and one of the best in the world.
Schlotterbeck possesses elite ballplaying skills, a clean and progressive build-up, leadership qualities and a Champions League pedigree. But in addition to technical quality, he also brings enormous physical qualities: strong, long, quick-footed and capable of delivering dangerous crosses.
He would greatly enhance United’s athleticism, which many felt had faded, especially under Ruben Amorim.
Of Europe’s top five leagues this season, only one has been a defender rated higher then him: David Raum. Schlotterbeck has always been excellent which is why reports suggest Barcelona and Real Madrid are so keen on him.
But as United strive to have the best of the best, Schlotterbeck should be high on their list.
He could be the perfect Shaw alternative that the versatile left-back United crave, while Dorgu could move permanently to the left wing, where he has already proven a huge hit.
Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images
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