da pixbet： Sergio Ramos is the latest blockbuster defender being linked with improving the shaky Manchester United defence this summer, and even though Louis van Gaal marched the wounded red side of Manchester back into the Champions League, it’s clear that new defensive recruits are the Dutchman’s priority.
da poker： World Cup winner Mats Hummels and Valencia hard man Nicolas Otamendi are other exciting names to have been made it onto United’s radar, however, little has been made of the two contract extensions given to their current crop of centre halves – England internationals Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Often criticised and (Jones particularly) the subject of many a meme, Van Gaal has seen fit to extend their spells at Old Trafford.
Smalling is a man plucked from relative obscurity. The former Fulham defender cut his teeth with non-league outfit Maidstone before Sir Alex Ferguson fought off competition from Arsenal to sign the defender. Despite making almost 150 appearances for the club, he’s often been viewed as clumsy and error prone. Following the derby day defeat to Manchester City back in November, Smalling was branded “stupid” by van Gaal. His rash challenges in the defeat has summed up his United career until that date up perfectly – frustrating and seemingly out of his depth.
As the season progressed and Man United improved, so did Smalling. The hesitant almost languid looking defender we had seen dismissed at the Etihad had matured into arguably Manchester United’s best centre-back. His marshalling of Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett against Arsenal’s feather footed technicians gave us a glimpse into what Smalling could grow to be. Goals against Burnley and Manchester City (redemption?) proved he could also be a viable asset at the other end of the pitch.
Smalling seems to have proved his worth ahead of, arguably, the Red Devils’ most important season to date. Back in the big time, it is imperative Smalling continues his development against the best strikers in Europe.
Who knows, could Chris Smalling be the defensive rock England build their assault on EURO 2016 around?
Jones, on the other hand, is perhaps tainted by Sir Alex’s famous “he could be our best ever player” gaffe. Jones’ career simply hasn’t followed the upward trajectory mapped out for him by the famous old Scot. The gurning, galloping enforcer has been shifted around the backline for both club and country, even making appearances in midfield. Whatever position he’s played in, it is hard to truly argue he has done much to justify his £17m transfer fee.
Still, Jones is a Premier League winner and a fully-fledged England international. It would seem silly of United to let him go right now, but it appears unless he improves in a Chris Smalling type fashion (and how many Utd fans ever thought they would hear those words?), this will be his last contract at the club.
Even Van Gaal’s comments upon the renewal seemed to hint at a last chance saloon. Describing the former Blackburn man as a “relatively young defender”, it seems the window of opportunity for Jones is closing. Despite signing the new deal, the ‘relatively’ young defender must age quickly as United press on, or he’ll be left behind like some sort footballing Peter Pan. Jones cannot be young forever, as much as we would all like to be, and his improvement must be tangible.
The cynic would say his new deal is much more of a contingency plan than a reward. Should he be allowed to leave and indeed fulfil the potential Sir Alex saw in him somewhere else, United would again look like fools. If, however, we do not see a marked improvement from Jones, he may not even finish his recently signed contract at the club.
This tale of two centre halves has the potential to be a rousing success for both club and country. Though not the finished article, Smalling has shown it is possible to flourish at a big club amid criticism. It’s time for Jones to follow, or face being left behind as Manchester United enter a new era.
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