Manchester United want this Portuguese defensive rock: Much needed shot in the arm

Manchester United are planning a transfer overhaul after missing out on Champions League places by finishing sixth in the Premier League.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, the Red Devils are keen to sign Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias as Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly is slipping away from their radar.

The Serie A side put a whopping £150m price tag on Koulibaly, which has deflected any interest the 27-year-old garnered from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, according to The Daily Mirror.

Dias helped the Eagles lift the Liga NOS title this campaign, earning his maiden senior trophy in the process.

Ruben Dias has what it takes to be a future star at Manchester United

An area which has been a cause for concern at Manchester United is the centre-back area, with the lack of a top quality centre-back pretty evident.

Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo (mostly injured) and Eric Bailly have all been subpar, with the latter even linked with a move away in the summer.

Victor Lindelof, another signing from Benfica, remains the only defender in the side who managed a few impressive performances.

Dias is still young as he was promoted to the senior side just when Lindelof left for Manchester United – in the summer of 2017.

The Portuguese could very well be the missing piece of the jigsaw. The Benfica defender is only 22 years of age and has already shown signs he has all the qualities you would expect from a quality modern-day centre-back.

Dias’ passing, along with set-piece ability, makes him a constant threat for the opposition. It’s worth noting that he has more goals than all of the United centre-backs combined this campaign, so he doesn’t shy away from marauding forward or making his presence felt during dead-ball situations.

The 22-year-old is a tough tackler, and with a 6ft 1in frame, has the aerial presence and physique required to excel in the Premier League. But like any other player out there, he has his limitations which seem

Dias’ lack of concentration on the pitch can cost his side on occasions, but this is something that will improve with age and experience.

A price tag of £60m for a 22-year-old does sound a bit expensive, but spending big money to bring quality players to Old Trafford hasn’t stopped United before, and it shouldn’t stop them now.