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Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic had recently announced that he will be leaving the club for Inter Milan in the summer. The 32-year-old Serb has been an excellent servant to the club for 8 years forming a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand which was once considered as one of the best defensive pairings in the world.
Here are a list of 5 defenders who can replace Vidic next season:
5. Michael Keane
Keane is a highly rated defender
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United could have a potential replacement for Vidic in their youth academy in the form of Michael Keane. The young defender who won the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year in 2012 is extremely talented and is capable of playing at the highest level.
The 21-year-old made his debut for United against Newcastle in 2012 and won critical acclaim for his performance by his team-mates including Darren Fletcher who called him fantastic. Keane excelled in his recent loan spell at Derby County and is expected to be included in the first team next year.
The England under-21 international has brilliant pace along with superb heading and tackling abilities making him ideal to replace Vidic. Rio Ferdinand is also set to leave this season leaving Keane with an extremely high chance of breaking into the first team later this year.
4. Iñigo Martínez
Martinez is one of the best young defenders in Europe
Martinez is emerging as one of the best young defenders in Spain. The 22-year-old has made 78 appearances for Real Sociedad since 2011 and has become an integral part of the team. The youngster played against Manchester United last year in the Champions League and certainly gave them a run for their money.
Martinez has a superb pace and is good in the air making him a potential candidate to replace Vidic who possesses similar qualities. A lot of club are pursuing the youngster but Manchester United have a good chance of capturing his signature.
The Spain international also has an eye for goal which can come in handy in tricky situations. The only disadvantage about Martinez is his knack for picking up red cards having already collected 2 so far.
3. Ezequiel Garay
Garay has been heavily linked with United
The Argentine center back almost joined United last summer but the move was blocked by David Moyes who must be regretting his decision now. The Benfica player has been outstanding for his team this season especially in the Champions League where he has a pass rate of 85%.
Manchester United could be back for the defender when Vidic leaves in summer but Garay won’t come cheap as almost every players transfer fee goes up after the World Cup. The 27-year-old also has a habit of scoring at least 1 goal every season which is quite rare for central defenders.
United may have to pay an exorbitant rate for the defender as his former club Real Madrid are entitled to receive 50% of the transfer fee paid to Benfica. If David Moyes decides to splash on the player then he would be making a wise decision.
2. Mats Hummels
Hummels is one of the best in his position
Bayern Munich must be kicking themselves for selling Hummels to arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund. Since quitting Bayern, Hummels has emerged as one of the best center backs in the world.
The 25-year-old is also capable of operating as a defensive midfielder which will come as a blessing to Manchester United who have been leaking goals this season. Hummels also has brilliant attacking capabilities making him a threat to the opposition.
The Germany international was an important player in his country’s Euro 2012 campaign and is expected to be heavily involved in this years World Cup. The defender’s price will soar after the World Cup but he will be worth every penny in Moyes decides to buy him.
1. Phil Jones
Jones is one of United’s most consistent players
David Moyes need not dip into the transfer market for a defender as he has a brilliant replacement right in front of his nose. Jones has been one of the most consistent players this season but has been mainly used as a holding midfielder.
The 21-year-old gave a brilliant performance in his preferred center-back role in the 2-1 loss against Stoke City before he was injured showing everyone that he is more than capable of filling the void left by Vidic this summer.
Jones has great technical abilities which will only get better as he matures. The only problem with Jones is his tendency to pick up injuries often. The England international has a bright future and will surely take the captain’s armband for his club and possibly country in the future.
