Why Manchester United must sign Leonardo Bonucci in January
With back-to-back to wins against Burnley and Watford, Jose Mourinho has steadied Manchester United’s ship after a lacklustre start to the season. However, there are bigger problems that need to be addressed.
Manchester United, unlike other teams Jose Mourinho has managed in the past, don’t look solid at the back and have conceded 8 goals in just 5 Premier League games already. If not for the brilliance of David De Gea, United wouldn’t have returned from Watford with three points.
One position United need to strengthen the most is central defence. And as per reports in the Metro, Leonardo Bonucci was strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the summer but the move didn’t materialize.
In the recent defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, the likes of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling made numerous mistakes. In fact, their poor displays were an indication of why Mourinho is in dire need of an experienced head in his defence line.
Bonucci is a world-class centre-back and is more than capable of improving any defensive unit in the world. He is a leader and a winner, both on and off the field. And it goes without saying that United lack a player like him at the moment.
Bonucci has won 6 Serie A titles, 3 Coppa Italia Cups and has played twice in Champions League finals and once in the Euro final.
The player may have just rejoined Juventus from AC Milan but United should try and check the Italian champions’ resolve in the winter transfer window. Juve already have the likes of Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Mehdi Benatia and Daniele Rugani for the centre-back spots.
As the season goes on, Bonucci might find it difficult to get into the team on a regular basis. But a move to Old Trafford will provide him with a new challenge in a new country.
