Given the signings already made by Manchester United this summer, it is difficult to believe that a large group of supporters feel Jose Mourinho should still be looking for further additions before the close of the transfer window on August 31. But with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all brought in to help bolster the attack, attention is now turning to the other end of the pitch.
Though Eric Bailly’s early displays in a United shirt have led to comparisons with Nemanja Vidic, there is a feeling that the heart of United’s defence lacks experience. United’s four senior defenders are all aged 26 or below, and though they turned in some admirable performances under Louis van Gaal, the improvements made by their rivals in attack has led to the suggestion that a comparative veteran is required to help marshal them through the campaign.
Though Leonardo Bonucci and Kostas Manolas have both been linked with moves from Serie A to the Theatre of Dreams, it is Southampton’s Jose Fonte whose name is beginning to crop up more and more in relation to a possible new arrival. And despite Mourinho claiming he is now happy with his squad thanks to the four new arrivals, home supporters would be forgiven for keeping an analytical eye on the Saints captain at Old Trafford on Friday evening.
So what would he offer that United do not already have? At 32, he certainly brings the experience that United fans are craving, having helped Southampton go from League One and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy to the Premier League and the Europa League. His role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, too, should not be underplayed.
Having been left out during the group stages, Fonte's introduction into Fernando Santos’s side coincided with some markedly improved defensive displays and though they were not the most entertaining side to watch in France, his partnership with Pepe was arguably the best at the tournament.
His statistics for the 2015-16 club campaign also compare favourably with those of of Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Bailly and though all three have their obvious strengths, Fonte’s history suggests he would not be out of place if thrown into the backline. His aerial ability is without doubt and though his passing game is not at the same level of either Blind or Bailly, it is likely he would be partnered with one those players rather than replace them in the line-up.
It is probable that Smalling would have to make way to accommodate the Portuguese, but his form last season and rise from non-league football to his current status as England’s first choice centre-back would make it a harsh decision for Mourinho to make. As such, Fonte’s role may include as much mentoring on the training ground as match action.
"He's a great professional and an example of how you have to behave in football," former Southampton boss Ronald Koeman said of the centre-back after he signed a new three-year deal in October. "He knows what you have to do to develop yourself, and I'm very happy that he stays for more years."
It is those qualities that may well be tempting Mourinho more than just his ability on the pitch. Bonucci is certainly a higher class of player, but Fonte has what it takes to lead in the dressing room as well as when the whistle goes for kick-off.
It is as yet unconfirmed as to whether Mourinho’s interest in Fonte is genuine, and whether he can deal with the threat of Ibrahimovic on Friday could have a bearing on any potential bid. But if United do opt to add the Saints skipper to their ranks, they will certainly be getting a player who increases the quality of their already enviable squad.
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