Which One Of These Right-Backs Will Manchester United Sign?

Manchester United had a quiet winter transfer window but the Premier League giants continue to be linked with a number of names for the summer, and they are still one the biggest draws in selling Premier League tickets.

Louis van Gaal has already confirmed that he wants to target a central midfielder after the 2014-15 season is over. This would be a replacement for Wayne Rooney to allow the United captain to move back into his natural striker position for next season.

Kevin Strootman, William Carvalho and Arturo Vidal continue to be linked with an Old Trafford switch to fill that void.

One other position that United have been linked with a number of players for is the right-back spot.

Antonio Valencia is currently Louis van Gaal’s preference in this position, whilst Paddy McNair played there in Monday night’s FA Cup win at Preston North End. Rafael, who was both Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes’ choice, appears to be out-of-favour with the Dutch manager.

Manchester United have been linked to two England internationals in recent weeks to replace Valencia for next season. Will United land either of these two right-backs in the summer?

1. Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

An interesting player to be linked to Manchester United over the past 24 hours or so is Tottenham’s right-back Kyle Walker.

Manchester United have previously been charged premium fees for both Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick to land players from White Hart Lane in recent seasons. Would they really pay over the odds for a player many feel isn’t good enough for the England national team, let-alone a title contender?

We think Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino would welcome a nice offer for the 24-year old, allowing him to bring in one of his own players as a replacement. Eric Dier came in over the summer and already has some experience at right-back this season – although he has played Spurs’ last two games at centre-back.

Would Kyle Walker be a significant improvement on Antonio Valencia, Paddy McNair or Rafael? We think not.

One player who would be a solid acquisition is one of Pochettino’s former players…

2. Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton)

Nathaniel Clyne’s performances in the Premier League with Southampton over the past couple of seasons have earned him attention with some of the top sides, and is now an England international.

Manchester United were linked with Clyne only last month and would certainly be considered an upgrade on what they currently have.

Nathaniel Clyne is both good at defending, and offering an overlap on the right wing. Like Antonio Valencia though, he doesn’t get involved in too many goals.

Southampton have however said they are no longer a selling club after they saw a number of their stars leave last summer. Whether they will be able to live up to their word if the top teams come in with offers for their players this summer, remains to be seen.

Kyle Walker is considered the alternate option to Clyne as a result of difficulties in persuading Southampton to accept a bid for their right-back.