According to Tuttosport(via Calciomercato), Manchester United are interested in the services of Juventus centre-back Mehdi Benatia.
Benatia has struggled with lack of game time at Juventus this season following the arrival of Leonardo Bonucci and a move away from Allianz Stadium seems very plausible.
Will the Moroccan be a good fit at United?
Mehdi Benatia: Player profile and stats
Benatia is known for his exceptional aerial prowess which makes him an intimidating figure at the back.
His dogged defending is the standout feature of his gameplay, having averaged at least three clearances per game in each of the past six seasons except the 2015/16 campaign with Bayern Munich.
Benatia is also proficient when it comes to making well-timed tackles, having averaged almost two tackles per game last season with an astounding success rate of 77%. In addition, the Moroccan has a tally of over two interceptions per game in each of the past three seasons.
Manchester United are looking for a ball-playing centre-half and Benatia’s ball-playing qualities are second to none as the defender mustered a passing accuracy of over 90% in each of the last two seasons with Juventus.
But, it’s his aerial dominance which makes him such a sought-after defender. Indeed, Benatia averaged 3.6 headed duels per game last season with an excellent success rate of 66% – more than any other United defender this season (at least six matches played).
Do Manchester United really need Benatia?
Mehdi Benatia is certainly an interesting candidate for Manchester United. The Moroccan international has a lot of top-flight experience which coupled with his all-round quality on the defensive front make him a good target.
He could be the perfect signing for United, given the fact that he is a much cheaper option when compared to United’s other transfer targets Toby Alderweireld, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Harry Maguire.
The former Bayern Munich star has been performing consistently at the highest level for many years now and thus, he would certainly fortify United’s vulnerable defence.
Benatia’s dogged defending tunes in well with Jose Mourinho’s defence oriented gameplay while the Moroccan’s excellent ball circulation will also revamp United’s build-up from the back.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored