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Manchester United have set their eyes on Mats Hummels as the person to steady their ship at the back. The Red Devils are expected to launch a bid for the German international in January, according to reports.
The appointment of the highly acclaimed Louis van Gaal is yet to pay dividends at Old Trafford with Manchester United currently lying seventh in the table, 13 points off of league leaders Chelsea. One of the main reasons for their stuttering start to the season has been their porous defence, which has already conceded 14 goals.
In Mats Hummels, United will be targeting one of the most highly rated centre-backs in the world and according to the reports, Ed Woodward would be willing to pay a British record fee to land the German international.
January buys unlikely, but Hummels will be a great fit
Woodward had earlier stated that it will be unlikely that Manchester United would splash the cash in the January transfer window unless someone who gives them a long-term solution becomes available. “We are not looking to enter the market for short-term fixes,” Woodward told investors on Tuesday. “However, we have targets we are looking at for next summer. Should any of them become available in January, which is obviously rare, we will consider acting but it is a low probability.”
This is where Hummels fits the bill to the core. Aged 25, the Borussia Dortmund captain arguably has his best footballing days in front of him and gives Manchester United an immediate fix at the centre of their defence.
Dortmund might also begrudglingly agree to do business if the price is right. Hummels is thought to be a big admirer of the Red Devils, having chosen to celebrate his 18th birthday watching Sir Alex Ferguson’s men defeat Wigan 3-1 at Old Trafford.
Hermann Hummels, Mat’s father and career advisor was also a youth team coach at Bayern during Van Gaal’s spell as their manager. His relationship with the gaffer could also prove to be a decisive factor should a bid be made by Manchester United.
