Why Man United must make a move for Inter Milan’s Diego Godin
According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t The Metro), Manchester United are eyeing a move for Inter Milan defender Diego Godin in the summer.
Diego Godin has slipped down Antonio Conte’s pecking order at Inter Milan this season, managing only 16 Serie A appearances. The veteran Uruguayan defender only moved to the San Siro in the summer on a free transfer after starring at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone for nine long years.
The 34-year-old has a contract until 2022 but it now appears unlikely that he will see out the remainder of his deal in Italy, with Manchester United looking to sign the out of favour defender at the end of the season. (h/t The Metro)
Manchester United struggled defensively for the majority of last season as they conceded 54 goals in the Premier League. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addressed the gaps in his squad before the start of the 2019/20 campaign by signing defenders Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Leicester City and Crystal Palace respectively.
Both Maguire and Wan-Bissaka have seamlessly slotted into Solskjaer’s XI, strengthening the defence in the process. Truly, they have become one of the first names on the team sheet, with Solskjaer’s side conceding only 30 goals in 29 league games so far.
However, Maguire is yet to really get a strong partner alongside him in central defence. Victor Lindelof has blown hot and cold but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has retained his faith in the Swede at the back.
Marcos Rojo joined Estudiantes on loan in January until the end of the season, while Phil Jones’ performances don’t merit him a starting berth at the club.
Eric Bailly has returned stronger from a long-term injury but due to his poor injury record, the Ivorian cannot be simply relied upon. Axel Tuanzebe has been out since December after being forced off injured in the Carabao Cup victory against Colchester.
Even though the Red Devils have improved defensively, Solskjaer must not discard signing a central defender this summer and should go for Diego Godin.
Godin is an immensely experienced defender who has played over 640 games in his club career. The 34-year-old has won the La Liga, Copa del Rey, SuperCopa de Espana, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup, whilst lifting the 2011 edition of Copa America with Uruguay. He is the most capped player in the national team’s history, having represented Uruguay 135 times.
The former Atletico Madrid man is past his prime but his experience and winning mentality should definitely be handy for Solskjaer’s young United squad. At the moment, United’s first choice defenders haven’t played too much in the Champions League, so that’s where Godin’s rich experience would be vital.
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Verdict
The likes of Maguire, Lindelof, Bailly and Tuanzebe need competition at the back next season and the Red Devils signing a proven defender like Godin would make perfect sense.
If United get an opportunity to sign Godin in the summer, they must do it without any second thoughts.
