Manchester United need to sign a defender similar to Liverpool’sVirgil van Dijk to accompany Harry Maguire, says Garth Crooks.
The Red Devils cruised to a 3-0 win over Watford at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seen his side climb to fifth in the Premier League, three points off Chelsea.
Part of this improvement has come at the back, with only one goal conceded in six games.
Maguire, who joined the club from Leicester last summer for £80m, has been ever-present for the Red Devils in this period, earning a place in BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks’ team of the week.
Mason Greenwood tipped for ‘bright’ Man Utd future amid centre-forward maturity
Manchester United set for Anthony Martial decision as Antonio Conte considers options
But the former United loanee suggested there is more work to be done.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s website, the 61-year-old said: “I still think they need another top-class defender to play alongside Maguire if they intend to be taken seriously as a top-four team.
“With an in-form [Anthony] Martial and Mason Greenwood, plus Marcus Rashford waiting to return, United have the firepower.
“What they need is a Virgil van Dijk-type figure alongside Maguire in defence.”
Bruno Fernandes ‘arrogance’ hailed for breeding confidence in rest of Man Utd team
The Dutchman won European player of the year with Liverpool after a Champions League-winning season.
And he is part of the side 35 points ahead of United at the top of the table, only conceding 15 league goals.
Crooks went on to say why he had included Maguire in his team of the week.
“Earlier in the week against Chelsea, Maguire was the villain after getting away with an unacceptable challenge on striker Michy Batshuayi,” the 61-year-old added.
Anthony Martial ‘can be one of top players in Europe’ under Solskjaer at Man Utd
“Against Watford he wasn't exactly the hero, but he played a pivotal role in securing a clean sheet for the Reds.
“Two matches, two wins, two clean sheets and six points suggest United are building from the back.”
Another member of the squad to have an impact this week was Bruno Fernandes, who scored a penalty to open the scoring against Watford.
And Solskjaer has explained the impact of the midfielder on the squad.
Source: Read Full Article