Why Manchester United should not invest in Milan Skriniar this summer
As per a report from the Mirror, Manchester United are ready to make an offer for Milan Skriniar after Inter Milan said that the defender could leave this summer.
Skriniar came through the youth ranks at Slovakian club MSK Zilina. The centre-back made 93 appearances for his boyhood club before joining Sampdoria in January 2016. Eighteen months and 38 appearances later, Inter Milan came calling in the summer of 2017.
Since signing for the Nerazzurri, the Slovakian international has grown into one of the most coveted defenders in Europe. He has attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City along with United. Till date, the 25-year-old has made 118 appearances for Inter, contributing with four goals and three assists.
Manchester United have made an impressive recovery after a dodgy start to the 2019/20 season. The Red Devils currently sit in the 5th place in the Premier League table, just three points below 4th-placed Chelsea. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are alive in the FA Cup and the Europa League as well.
While the 20-time English champions have shown signs of progress under Solskjaer, the club is still some way off from challenging the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. And for that to happen, United need to add a few more quality players to their ranks. Especially on the right flank as well as the centre-forward department. A new defensive midfielder would also be a good investment for the club.
A new centre-back not a pressing concern for Manchester United
However, at the moment, the Red Devils are seemingly not in need of a new centre-back. United invested heavily in Harry Maguire last summer, making him the world’s most expensive defender. The Englishman has made an immediate impact at Old Trafford and has been named club captain in his very first season.
Apart from him, United also have Victor Lindelof, who has looked solid playing alongside Maguire. Eric Bailly has also been rock-solid since returning from injury, while Solskjaer also has academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe to call upon.
Phil Jones’ future may be clouded with uncertainty, but Chris Smalling is set to return to Old Trafford after a successful loan spell at AS Roma. With the Serie A giants unable to sign him permanently, the 30-year-old may end up staying put at Manchester United.
Furthermore, Manchester United’s performances at the back have improved considerably over the course of the season. The Red Devils have conceded just 30 goals in the league this term. Only Liverpool (21), Sheffield United (25) and Leicester City (28) have let in fewer goals.
Prior to the suspension of football due to coronavirus, Solskjaer’s side were on an eleven-game unbeaten run in all competitions. During this run, they have kept nine clean sheets, while conceding just two goals.
They have been quite solid at the back and have enough depth within the ranks as well. Hence, a move for Skriniar at the moment is not a necessary one for the Red Devils.
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Verdict
Skriniar is a top-class centre-back, without a doubt and is valued at £52.5m. However, Manchester United have ample options in the area currently. Hence, they would be better off addressing more pressing concerns within the ranks.
