Manchester United and Jose Mourinho have had an excellent start to the season. With the additions of Ibrahimovic, Pogba, Bailly and Mkhitaryan, the Red Devils have played well and look ready to contend for a league title.
However, with a week left to make improvements in the transfer market, The Special One may not be done making modifications to his squad.
The final piece to Mourinho’s puzzle seems to be in the squad’s defence, with a great deal of attention being paid to Southampton captain Jose Fonte. The Portuguese defender would certainly be a strong addition and provide great depth on the backline.
Reports suggest that there could be another target at on the horizon also, with Brazilian international Fabinho’s rumoured arrival possibly coming to fruition.
The 22-year old right back brings a unique skillset and quality on the ball to the United defence, as well as an impressive ability to convert penalty kicks. He scored 6 goals last year for AS Monaco in Ligue 1 and can be a threat higher up the pitch on the right flank.
While Monaco does not necessarily want to lose the talented defender and can offer him Champions League football this season, if Mourinho chooses to match their price demand of 25 million Euros it will be a difficult offer to turn down.
With Jose Fonte’s signing still in the cards, we look at what Fabinho brings to Manchester United if he is indeed Mourinho’s fifth signing this summer.
DEPTH AND RIGHTBACK OF THE FUTURE
Fabinho will immediately be able to provide great depth for the United squad. With Premier League, Europa League and domestic cup competitions all on Mourinho’s agenda, squad rotation will be an important element to success.
Ecuador’s Antonio Valencia has been a part of the Red Devils since 2009 and has performed well so far this year at the right back position. But, at 31 years of age, the club may now be looking for a suitable replacement.
Along with Luke Shaw, Fabinho could be one of the United starting fullbacks for years to come.
CLASSIC BRAZILIAN FLAIR AT FULLBACK
Fabinho’s ability going forward from the fullback position offers excellent flexibility. Fellow Brazilians Dani Alves and Marcelo operate in similar ways and his ability to get forward will add another dimension to Manchester United’s ability to score goals.
On the defensive end, Fabinho’s speed and skill on the ball will be essential in stopping opposing attacks.
YOUTH MOVEMENT IN DEFENCE
Along with Shaw (21) and new signing Eric Bailly (22), Fabinho would represent another strong addition to a young backline for Jose Mourinho. With many youngsters already out and more expected before the transfer window closes, the addition of Fabinho would be an excellent move the future.
Jose Mourinho will want to solidify his backline with a fifth signing before the end of August. While the high price may be risky, the play of Fabinho in both the French Ligue 1 and in the UEFA Champions League may make him the ideal candidate for the Manchester United defence.
