The news last week that Sergio Ramos looks set to extend his Real Madrid contract despite rumoured interest from Manchester United cut short a will-he-won’t-he summer saga that had threatened to run right up until transfer deadline day.
The most revealing outcome of the episode was the widely reported suggestion that Louis van Gaal would no longer be seeking to sign a defender now that Ramos had made himself unavailable. Assuming the story is true, it is an alarming development for United fans.
While Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian are excellent additions who will improve the squad in key areas, it is difficult to see the 20-time English champions challenging for the title this time around unless they strengthen their central defensive options.
Chris Smalling improved as last season went on, but Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have regressed in the past couple of campaigns, Daley Blind does not seem a natural fit at centre-half and Marcos Rojo has hitherto proved unconvincing when fielded in the heart of the backline.
Ramos now appears out of reach, but that does not diminish United’s need for a new centre-back.
Without one, and in spite of their recent reinforcements, Van Gaal’s side still lack the balance that is needed for a prolonged title pursuit of Chelsea.
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The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
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