Manchester United have been linked with Pau Torres and Jurrien Timber to beef up the central defence. United continue to be linked to a host of players as the transfer window looms closer. The Red Devils have had a dismal 2021-22 season. Under new coach Erik Ten Hag, the Red Devils are looking at a full squad make-over, with signings being required in almost every position.

Pau Torres is currently with Spanish club Villarreal, with a contract with the Yellow Submarines until 2024 while 20-year-old Jurrien Timber is also bound to Ajax until 2024. Who would be the better fit for the Red Devils?

Pau Torres:

After an impressive loan stint with Malaga in 2018-19, Torres has been an undisputed starter at Villarreal. The Spaniard has made 131 appearances in La Liga, Copa del Rey, Europa League, and Champions League combined. Torres was also a part of Luis Enrique’s side in the Euro 2020 and managed 6 appearances.

Pau Torres’ greatest asset is his ball-playing abilities. Being left-footed, the Spaniard has primarily functioned on the left side of Unai Emery’s 4-man backline. The 25-year-old ranks in the 90^th percentile for progressive passes and progressive carries (stats via Fbref).

Torres is also the primary ball progressor in Unai Emery’s system. No outfielder in the Villarreal side has covered more distance from progressive carries or progressive passes. He also has 5 goals and an assist to his name in the league (stats via Transfermarkt).

Defensively, the 25-year-old has a few issues. Torres isn’t great in the air and wins only 65.3% of his aerial duels. The Europa League finalist records less than one successful tackle every game. He has substantially improved in his 1v1 defending but struggles to play in a higher line.

This is a problem Harry Maguire already faces at Manchester United. Compounded with David De Gea’s passiveness on the line, the Red Devils have often left too much space for opponents to take advantage of.

Erik Ten Hag has successfully employed a high line of defence at Ajax. His system also relies on brave centre-backs that are willing to step out of their defensive line to join the build-up.

Jurrien Timber:

Timber represented Jong Ajax (the Ajax reserve team) when Ten Hag’s side reached Champions’ League semi-finals in 2019. The Dutchman has been a regular for the first-team since the beginning of last season. In 51 games, Timber has 3 goals and 2 assists for the Eredivisie leaders (stats via Transfermarkt). The 20-year-old can also play as a right-back.

On the ball, Timber is a great outlet for build-up. In the 2021-22 Champions League campaign, Timber averages a solid 6.45 progressive passes and as many progressive carries every 90 minutes (stats via fbref).

Ten Hag often deploys full-backs on the underlap at Ajax. From such a position, Timber is excellent at making runs behind the opposition, or circulating possession.

Defensively, Timber possesses problems similar to that of Torres. The 20-year-old wins just 61% of his aerial duels. However, the Dutchman is adept at winning second balls and registers 9.13 recoveries per 90 minutes. He also wins 69% of all his ground duels. Timber also possesses good speed, but lacks awareness and is often caught off position, especially when Ajax are facing counter-attacks.

Manchester United’s Current Options

Manchester United currently have 5 centre-back options: Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones. The latter two look most likely to depart, leaving United with 3 first-team options. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been United’s most common centre-back pairing in recent years. Varane has managed 20 league starts in his first season at Old Trafford.

Maguire, being right-footed, is adept at playing down the left side too. His distribution and passing range were essential to United’s attack under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Defensively, Maguire has struggled for form this season. In the past too, United have struggled to implement an effective high line.

Varane has been fairly reliable in possession for most parts. The Frenchman does not possess the same passing range but is decent under pressure. As he did at Real Madrid, Varane has struggled to effectively implement a proper offside trap on many occasions. This has often been disguised by the 29-year-old’s impressive recovery speed. Varane too is right-footed but has played on the left side of the defence effectively.

Lindelof is the most balanced of the three. He is reliable in possession and possesses good physicality, aerial prowess and commendable recovery speed. The Swede has primarily been used on the right side of the defence this season.

United need a commanding player who can effectively function in a high line. The Red Devils require a profile that can effectively compete with the current options for regular minutes. This is something Bailly and Jones don’t offer, and something a new signing has to.

Verdict:

On paper, Pau Torres and Jurrien Timber satisfy the profile that United are scouting.

Torres has the advantage of the experience on his side. The Spaniard has rubbed shoulders with some of the best teams and players in the Euros, Champions League, La Liga and Europa League. Furthermore, he would provide Ten Hag with a left-footed option in central defence. However, his defensive frailties are a genuine concern, especially alongside players who have been fairly average in a high press themselves. Torres also carries a €65m release clause.

Read More:

• Manchester United Looking to Sign €25m Rated Bundesliga Right-back for a Cut-price Deal
• Man United Revive Interest in €60m Rated Spanish Defender, Bookmarked as One of the Prime Targets This Summer
• Amidst Rumours of Ronaldo’s Exit This Summer, SAF Urging the Portuguese Forward to Stay at Old Trafford

Timber is 5 years younger than Torres. The Dutchman can also function as a right-back, a position where United do need reinforcements. The fact that Timber has already played under Ten Hag is also a bonus. However, the jump from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is a big one, and Timber would have to adjust to life at Old Trafford quickly. Timber is currently valued at €40 million. Considering his age, versatility and scope for growth, Jurrien Timber should be United’s primary target in this transfer window.

Should Manchester United sign Jurrien Timber or Pau Torres? Let us know in the comments.

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