The transfer window is back and Manchester United look to be back in action after signing Dutch winger, Memphis Depay. Though they were not successful in getting some of their top targets such as Gundogan, Hummels, and others, Otamendi and Ramos could very well be one of the top signings for the Red Devils this summer. They both have been on Louis Van Gaal’s radar over a long period of time now and he’d want to settle this business soon now as United are anyway short of players after the departure of Nani and Van Persie.
Defense was a big concern to the Dutchman’s side last season as United struggled a lot in having a firm control of the ball in their box. Had it not been the heroics of De Gea, the Red Devils definitely would have conceded a higher number of goals and possibly would not have even qualified to the Champions League this time. Though the later defensive partnership of English center-backs Phil Jones and Chris Smalling had worked out fine for them in the final days of the Premier League. Still, Van Gaal would want to bring in some quality defenders and some reliable one’s as Jones and Smalling get injured frequently.
Otamendi was a reported target for United after learning that their long term target Mats Hummels was not going to leave Dortmund anytime soon. The Valencia center back has had brilliant chemistry with United defender Marcos Rojo in the Argentina national side. They were able to put on a good show for the fans in the World Cup last year and the Copa America earlier this month. Having to be worth 30 million pounds, this 27-year-old full back might be exactly what Van Gaal is looking for as they need someone who can have a control in an intense situation and a player with his built at the back would be just amazing for them. But the thing that might be bothering the English giants is the money they’ll have to pay to lure him. From my point of view, it’s too much for him. Yes he is a defender with great abilities but yet paying such a price for a 27-year-old doesn’t seem right to me. On the other hand, it’s Real Madrid co-captain Sergio Ramos who has been linked with a possible move to Old Trafford. Speculations on his Manchester United move had started a few weeks ago when the Spanish full-back was reportedly unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeau and that he wanted out. United tried to play it all out in a very cunning manner by demanding him in a swap deal of Spanish shot stopper and the PFA team of the year goalkeeper, David De Gea. Much has been talked about this move lately but hardly anything seems to be in a progress here.
Ramos is considered as one of the best defenders in the world and getting his signature is something that the United fans would be very happy about. Being a part of FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014 team of the year following his club Real Madrid’s success in Europe, the defender could not shine in the World Cup for his nation, Spain, later that year as the defending World champions got knocked out in the group stage itself. He has been in a consistent form and was also one the players in Madrid to have showed his disappointment on the sacking of manager Carlo Ancelotti and had supported the former boss. Ramos has proved himself to be a worthy asset to the club as it was his goal in the stoppage time of the 2014 Champions League finals that had got the game to the extra time. He has scored some important goals for Madrid earlier too and has maintained this form of his.
Whereas in case of Nicolas Otamendi, nothing much is heard about him. He is a versatile player but still lacks some ability to have a strong co-ordination with his teammates. Also his body game has turned out to be ugly at times, which has resulted in bookings and the team had to bear the loss. He may be of the same age as of Ramos, but the achievements and the game control have been better of Ramos. Otamendi doesn’t have much of an experience in playing in Europe and United might give a brief thought there as they aim for a higher spot in the Champions League.
In the overall comparison of the both, Ramos would seem to be a better option to me as his experience and skill is what overwhelms all football fans. With the price demanded by Valencia for Otamendi looking too much, United could very well consider getting in Ramos as in an exchange for De Gea and the Spanish packs of players at Old Trafford such as Victor Valdes, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata could persuade him to make this move.
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