Out of favor at Real Madrid, left-back Fabio Coentrao must consider a transfer in the January window. According to the Daily Star (via Goal Transfer Talk), Manchester United are a potential destination.
Per the report, the Red Devils are lining up a €35 million move for the Portuguese international.
United, who are off to the club's worst start since 1986 (3-4-3), are in desperate need for reinforcements, especially in defense. And though he features wide, Coentrao would be just that. In 17 league appearances last season, the 26-year-old finished with an average of 2.6 tackles and 1.9 interceptions. Based on that productivity, Coentrao would serve as an immediate upgrade over current left-back Luke Shaw.
The unseasoned 19-year-old is averaging a modest 2.2 tackles, but fails to read and anticipate the play at an elite level. His putrid average of 0.2 interceptions reflects that. Fortunately for Shaw, United manager Louis van Gaal has adamantly voiced his appeasement with the current crop of players at his disposal. According to Metro, the Dutchman will be reluctant to splash additional cash come January. Borussia Dortmund center-back Mats Hummels remains his primary and only target for a midseason acquisition.
Hummels hasn't voiced any interest in a transfer, but refused to deny a potential one altogether. "I couldn't be happier at any other club in the world right now," he said (via the Guardian). "Should I make a move somewhere else, I would want that to be a fair deal for everyone."
The fair deal for United supporters, however, is for both Hummels and Coentrao to bless the pitch at Old Trafford come January.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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