Danilo Pereira has established himself as a key player for FC Porto (Getty Images)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now a certainty to be named the Manchester United permanent manager following a sensational three months as caretaker. The Norwegian has changed the team’s dynamics and brought back the team’s identity by employing an attacking, expansive style of football.
The transformation has been so drastic that Manchester United centre-backs, who have come under scrutiny over the course of the Premier League season, have looked more confident and disciplined defensively under Solskjaer.
But if the Red Devils are to challenge for the Premier League title next season, Solskjaer will need to repair his defence as well as add a solid defensive midfielder to his squad. Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian are expected to leave the club this summer, while Ashley Young will be close to 35 by the time his one-year extension expires in 2020.
That makes reinforcing the defensive ranks the no.1 priority for the club this summer. Moving forward, a defensive midfielder is must as Nemanja Matic will turn 31 in August.
Matic has been one of many players reborn under Solskjaer, with the Serb coming under rigorous criticism under former manager Jose Mourinho earlier this season. Even though he has played really well in recent months, the matter of fact is he’s already 30 and United will be forced to replace him sooner rather than later.
That said, the Red Devils should target FC Porto star Danilo Pereira when the transfer window re-opens.
Danilo Pereira, 27, has been a regular fixture for FC Porto ever since he joined from fellow Portuguese side Maritimo in 2015. He missed the most of last season with calf and Achilles problem as Porto won the title.
The Portuguese midfielder has had a start-stop 2018/19 campaign but whenever he has played, Danilo has been excellent for Sergio Conceicao’s side. That makes him such a reliable player to have in the squad, amidst his injury problems.
In Danilo, United would get a strong, physically dominant midfielder who does an excellent job in winning the ball in the middle of the park as well as significantly contributing to his team’s efficiency going forward. The Portuguese is known for his awareness and strength to protect the backline, whilst having the ability to dictate the play.
He is aggressive, powerful, reliable and a good passer of the ball—someone who will certainly improve United’s midfield. Danilo is a hard-working and tenacious customer who can slot in very well in the United engine room.
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The 27-year-old possesses the ability to create chances from anywhere on the park and his composure on the ball coupled with his vision and technique would make him an asset for Solskjaer’s men.
All in all, Danilo will be an instant upgrade for Matic if the Red Devils manage to sign him. He is defensively very sound and United could have a balanced midfield if they pair the Portuguese with the likes of Pogba and Herrera.