Manchester United are plotting a move for Benfica’s defensive prodigy Ruben Dias, it has been claimed.
According to Record(via Mirror), the Red Devils are interested in the services of the 21-year-old centre back as they look to bolster their defensive options in the summer.
However, they could face stiff competition from Juventus, Bayern Munich and PSG in the pursuit of Dias, who is valued at around £65 million.
Ruben Dias: Should Manchester United splash the cash?
It’s probably needless to say that defence has remained one of Manchester United’s prominent weaknesses despite their excellent form under interim coach Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer.
While the Norwegian has been able to rejuvenate the midfield as well as the attacking department, the likes of Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly have not been of much use due to a mixture of injuries and lack of form. Chris Smalling has utilised all his experience and has managed to do the job when called upon but United will not be faulted for expecting more out of their first-choice centre-backs.
Victor Lindelof has been the only reliable option in defence for Solskjaer, thus accentuating the need for a new central defender.
Dias, in that regard, is a fascinating option, having enjoyed immense success over the course of past two seasons, during which he has made over 70 appearances for Benfica in all competitions. The 21-year-old has also won seven caps for Portugal and is regarded as the best defensive prodigy in the country.
Predominantly a centre-back, Dias is primarily known for his aggression and physicality that allows him to prevail in one-on-one battles. He often likes to spring forward and press the opposition, restricting them from having any space or time on the ball, which can be effective in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.
Dias is also quite strong in the air, largely thanks to his 1.87m stature and a good physique, meaning he can be utilized as an ideal defensive partner for Lindelof next season. In fact, the addition of this Benfica starlet will allow the Swedish defender to be more expressive in United’s build-up play.
But, at the same time, it has been the lack of leadership at the back that has been haunting Manchester United, ever since the departure of Nemanja Vidic. And although Dias has shown incredible talent over the past 18 months, it would perhaps be wiser for United to invest in a more experienced defender, who can not only solidify the backline but also rectify their issue of lacking leaders on the pitch which has been a hallmark of the top United sides in the past.
Alessio Romagnoli, for one, could be an excellent option for the Red Devils as they look to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool next season.
