Why Manchester United must sign Italian stalwart Leonardo Bonucci

Manchester United are keeping close tabs on AC Milan centre-back Leonardo Bonucci. The Italian may be available for a relatively cheap price due to Financial Fair Play rules which have eliminated Milan from the European competitions.

Bonucci moved to San Siro only last summer but the Italian club must rebuild their defence around young Alessio Romagnoli. This would certainly mean the end of Bonucci at the club.

Jose Mourinho and Manchester United are looking to strengthen their defence to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title next season. Having an experienced centre-back would help the Red Devils in several aspects of their game.

Let us take an in-depth look as to why United should sign the defender:

Scouting Bonucci

Unlike most Italian centre-backs, Bonucci is not short-tempered on the field. Instead, the 31-year-old is a natural leader at the back with the ability to win aerial duels with ease. He has a wonderful right foot which helps him pick long diagonal balls to change the direction of play.

The Italian is a typical modern-day defender with the added spice of being tenacious during tackles and clever at interceptions. In fact, he can lead the back-line without constantly barking instructions and is also a set-piece threat.

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Conclusion

Mourinho must have a player like him in his armoury. After all, he is a defensive expert and his knowledge of the game would work wonders for the Red Devils. With Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling on the fringes, Jose is in dire need of finding an experienced player who could start alongside Eric Bailly/Victor Lindelof.

Bonucci is not only the perfect foil for United in terms of talent but he is also a fit athlete who can play regular games at a stretch. The current crop of defenders at Old Trafford are prone to injury issues which often disturbs the rhythm of managerial selection. Hence, Bonucci’s presence would help in this aspect as well.