Djibril Sidibe
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants the lion’s share of transfer business done by the time his squad returns for pre-season in early July.
The Norwegian, 46, faces a crucial summer at Old Trafford after the Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League. Solskjaer needs to make major changes in his squad and the process must start from the base, which is the defence.
Manchester United had the worst defensive record among the top six sides in the 2018/19 campaign having conceded over 50 goals. Their problems over the last few seasons have mostly been at the back as the defence has lacked leadership, quality and has conceded far too many goals.
In Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, none of them has shown leadership qualities and defensive stability to become the first-choice at the club. Lindelof, perhaps, is the only central defender to emerge with some credit in an otherwise disappointing season for the Reds. Hence, it’s high-time to offload a couple of them and replace with two quality centre-halves.
Not only in central defence, but United also need a quality right-back. United have already let go Antonio Valencia and should offload Matteo Darmian this summer. Ashley Young is coming to end of his career, while Diogo Dalot isn’t quite ready to be a regular starter at right-back. Thus, its important Solskjaer brings in a player to compete with Dalot and Young next season.
That being said, the Red Devils must reignite their interest in AS Monaco star, Djibril Sidibe.
United were heavily linked with a move for Djibril Sidibe last summer. However, a deal failed to materialise and the full-back stayed put at Monaco. But the Frenchman endured a torrid time with injuries this past season as Monaco just survived the drop to Ligue 2.
Sidibe, 26, could only manage 26 appearances in the Ligue 1, supplying three assists. Injuries hampered his progress and the full-back failed to hit the top gear. With the season done and dusted and the French international now fully fit, Solskjaer must tempt the 26-year-old into joining United.
By signing Sidibe, Solskjaer would get a player equally capable of operating on both sides of the defence. The 26-year-old possesses the power to even beat the best of goalkeepers from a long range and is adept at dribbling past opponents to set up chances for his teammates. His biggest strength is his ability to contribute going forward, marauding up the flank with pace and power.
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The Frenchman can be caught napping at times and isn’t exactly solid defensively, but he could iron out the flaws in his game under Solskjaer. If the Norwegian tactician can help him improve his defensive discipline and positioning, Sidibe would be an excellent signing for United.
The Red Devils would therefore be wise to take a punt on Sidibe, who at 26 has entered the prime years of his career.