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Throughout Jose Mourinho's career, he has built his teams around a strong defence. A strong defence is a common characteristic of all the teams he has managed.
At Chelsea, he had the likes of Azpilicueta, John Terry, Ivanovic, and Cahill. While at Inter he had the luxury of Ivan Cordoba, Lucio, Zanetti, and Chivu. Even at Real Madrid, he had a strong defence in Ramos, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo, and Carvalho.
But at Manchester United, he is yet to find a stable back four, the only player whom he trusts in his back four is United's captain Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian has been constant at right back for The Red Devils since Jose' arrival.
The former Wigan winger has won 2 Premier League titles, 2 League Cups, 1 FA Cup, and 1 Europa League. The current Manchester United captain is 33 years old, and it is clear that Manchester United need to replace him sooner or later.
Though Jose did sign Diogo Dalot from Porto this summer, the 19 year old is an unproven talent, and so far he has just made 1 appearance for The Red Devils.
Even if Jose does not stay beyond this season at Old Trafford, the club should look at a player who can replace the 33-year-old in the long run.
Here are 3 player's they should target.
#1 Alessandro Florenzi (AS Roma)
The Italian international currently plays his trade in Serie A for AS Roma. He is also a regular for the Italian national team as well. The right back is 27 years old, and he is starting to peak as well.
This season he has made 13 appearances for the Giallorossi in all competitions. He has further contributed 2 goals and 2 assists as well.
The Italian international was linked with a move to Manchester United last season, but a move never really materialised.
Also, Roma in recent years has become a selling club, with the likes of Salah and Alisson being sold by the club. Considering Manchester United's financial muscle, it should not be a problem for The Red Devils.
Like Valencia, Florenzi is also capable of playing as a right winger as well as a right back. His crossing game is one of his biggest strengths, he rarely gives the ball away, and his passing game is excellent.
Given his age, experience, and his style of play, he should be a perfect candidate to replace Valencia at the right back position.
All stats via whoscored
#2 Benjamin Pavard (VfB Stuttgart)
The Frenchman's stock rose dramatically after his World Cup heroics helped France at the World Cup in Russia. The defender plays in the Bundesliga for VfB Stuttgart, and he is just 22 years old.
The youngster has played more than 1000 minutes in the Bundesliga, and it seems like his World Cup form was not just a fluke, but he is the real deal.
Pavard was heavily linked with a move this summer to Bayern Munich and Dortmund, while The Red Devils and The Gunners were also linked with a move for the talented youngster. But he stayed with Stuttgart, as he believes he owes a debt to the German side.
There is very little to say about how good he is, as he has already proven himself on the biggest stage of world football. The chance to play at one of the biggest clubs in world football should be enough to tempt Pavard to come to Old Trafford.
He is a very versatile defender capable of playing anywhere in the back four. He can operate as centre back and as a left back as well. He is a very hardworking defender, a kind of player Mourinho would love to have in his squad.
At 6'2 inches he can provide plenty of aerial strength, and at the age of 22, his best years are yet to come, and he could be a long term solution to Manchester United's right back position as well.
#3 Achraf Hakimi (Dortmund, on loan from Real Madrid)
Achraf Hakimi is a Real Madrid youth academy product, and last season under Zidane, he had his breakthrough year, but could not cement his place, and thus in this new season he has been loaned out to German giants Borussia Dortmund.
The Moroccan international has been one of the best players for Dortmund, as they are on top of Bundesliga, and are 9 points clear of arch rivals Bayern Munich. Hakimi has made 11 appearances for Dortmund, scoring 1 goal and further providing 3 assists.
Though he is on a two year loan deal, Manchester United could sign him after his loan term ends in Germany. The youngster has shown plenty of what he is capable of, and should be a good signing for The Red Devils.
United's case to sign him could be further strengthened by the arrival of Álvaro Odriozola at Real Madrid, which could see Hakimi leaving the Santiago Bernabeu to make way for the Spaniard.
The Dortmund loanee uses his physicality well, which should help him adjust to the robust nature of the Premier League. He is also a good passer and dribbler, and he is capable of playing on either of the flanks.
Out of the three listed, he is youngest at the age of 20, and the right offer could tempt Los Blancos into cashing in on him when his loan deal expires.
