Manchester United bid shut down for Napoli defender
By Matt English
Manchester United are looking for defensive reinforcements this January
Jose Mourinho has been quite confusing when praising his defense at Manchester United. After signing Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, he boasted about the quality he brought in.
Since then, he has made comments about the inability of the board to spend money on new defenders. He does not seem to trust Bailly and Lindelof as much and continues to pressure United to sign new defenders.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
This January, Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam is being targeted by Manchester United. Napoli are not too keen on this transfer happening, though, despite the defenders recent injury history.
Calciomercato has reported that a £45 million bid was turned down by Napoli for Ghoulam. The price alone should cause alarm, but even more questions should be raised about Ghoulam’s fitness.
Since the end of 2017, Faouzi Ghoulam has struggled to stay healthy. Horrific knee injuries coupled with a ligament rupture have made his playing days few and far between since November of last season.
Ghoulam is yet to feature for Napoli this season, playing his last match back in November of 2017 against Manchester City. The Algerian is close to returning from his long stint on the sidelines, and Napoli cannot wait to get him back in the first team.
Mario Rui has been the man to step up for Napoli in Ghoulam’s absence, slotting into the left fullback slot flawlessly. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has also experimented with Elseid Hysaj on the left, but clearly prefers Rui.
The lack of rotation is taxing on Rui, as the Portuguese man consistently plays 90 minutes week after week during the clubs quest for the Scudetto. Once Ghoulam is fit and ready to play, there will be little wasted time getting him back into the rotation.
Manchester United will need to either up their bid drastically or be forced to look elsewhere for a new defender. Getting Napoli to lower their price is completely out of the question due to the importance of Ghoulam to the team’s future this season.
Mourinho is already on the hot seat for his performances this season, so blaming the market as he tries to make an emergency move will be unacceptable. United will continue to be held at a high standard, so Mourinho will need to adapt soon before it is too late.
Next. Top three managers that could replace Jose Mourinho. dark
Who do you think Manchester United should sign in January?