Manchester United duo Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly are set to be sacrificed in January for a new world class defender, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho has been desperate to sort out his side’s defensive issues, and was left disgruntled when the board refused to back him in the summer. However, having kept a shocking total of only one clean sheet in 12 Premier League games so far, it has forced the higher-ups at the club to take action and they are now ready to go all out for a world class defender in the winter transfer window.
However, with a whole roster of defenders to choose from at the moment, a much needed clear out is needed before the club can start from scratch and bring in replacements of a higher caliber. Amongst the names rumored to be heading for the exit door are Rojo and Bailly, who have both fallen out of favor under Mourinho.
Rojo was one of the most instrumental players for United in Mourinho’s first season at the club, and looked set to play a key role in the years that were to follow under the Portuguese boss. However, towards the end of that season, he suffered a gruesome knee injury that kept him out of action for almost a year. In truth, he has never really recovered from the knock and hasn’t made a single appearance so far this season.
Bailly was one of Mourinho’s first signings, arriving for around £30 million from Villarreal as a relatively unknown commodity. He quickly established himself as the club’s best defender in the eyes of the fans, with some rock solid performances at the heart of the defense. However, he too has suffered a series of niggling injuries that have not helped his form by any means. A shocking performance against Brighton at the start of this season prompted Mourinho to drop him and he hasn’t started a game since, losing his place in the side to Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelöf.
According to reports, AC Milan have been eyeing the Ivorian’s situation at the club and are eager to snap him up. The Italian club’s interest could actually come in handy for United, considering the fact that they are looking to sell in order to recruit. Despite signing a new contract with the club in March, Rojo could also be on his way out should a club offer a respectable sum of money for him, according to The Telegraph.
Should the moves go through, United would then be looking to bring in a few of the targets mentioned on Mourinho’s wishlist. Inter Milan center back Milan Skriniar has been tipped for a move to the Theatre of Dreams, while the drama surrounding Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld could also come to an end should the Londoner’s try to sell him in January rather than letting him leave for nothing next summer.
