Europa League champions Manchester United need to address several areas in their squad. Despite a plethora of attacking options, goals came few and far between for the Red Devils, but it seems that José Mourinho’s attention is currently on sorting out the defence. After completing the signing of Victor Lindelöf, reports suggest that he is after a defensive midfielder.

Two title-winning players, Nemanja Matic and Fabinho, have emerged as the primary targets to fill the role. Both would immediately improve the current squad, but only one can be the next Manchester United defensive midfielder. As Michael Carrick continues to age, his appearances will become more limited. Manchester United need to find a long-term player partner for Paul Pogba.

The next Manchester United defensive midfielder

Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic has proven himself a quality footballer during his three seasons with Chelsea. A reunion with José Mourinho, the man who brought him back to the Premier League, could prove lucrative for both player and club. On the other hand, Fabinho has recently become a big name on the world stage. A string of impressive performances as the linchpin in Monaco’s side have made the Brazilian highly sought-after. A move to the Premier League could be the next step in what promises to be an exciting career.

Matic and Fabinho, while both very talented players, possess vastly different skill sets. Therefore it is important to determine their playing styles, as well as strengths and weaknesses.

Nemanja Matic

Strengths: Physicality, Defending, Ball playing

Matic is a physical presence in any match. Unlike current Manchester United big man Marouane Fellaini, Matic uses his size to his advantage. He constantly takes up advantageous positions over his opponents in order to break up their attacks. His presence alone forces teams away from the middle of park, limiting their possession to the wings.

Sitting just in front of the back four, his defensive instincts are among the Premier League’s best. The Serbian international averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per game last season. Breaking up play over three times per match would create many more counter-attacking chances for United’s pacey wingers.

Perhaps the most underrated of Matic’s talents is that he is an excellent ball-player from deep in midfield; a completion rate of 88% puts him in the Premier League’s elite passers. In addition, he was able to record seven assists last term, putting him behind only Cesc Fabregas and Pedro at Chelsea.

Weaknesses: Pace, Footwork

Due to his size, Matic struggles for speed on the pitch. Playing alongside workhorse N’Golo Kanté, he was able to remain very central last season, but he struggles to regain ground when he gets drawn out of position. Christian Eriksen was able to expose this weakness on multiple occasions for Tottenham. Should more teams be able to consistently move Matic around the pitch, it would be problematic for Manchester United.

His footwork also suffers due to his stature. Against Manchester United, a team who frequently dominate possession, teams of lesser quality play a higher, more aggressive defensive line in an attempt to regain the ball more often. If Matic is forced into a tight area, he is unable to dribble his way out of pressure.

Fabinho

Strengths: Versatility, Tackling, Offensive Ability

Unlike Matic, Fabinho can ply his trade all over the pitch. The Brazilian is at his best in defensive midfield role, but is perfectly capable of playing a box-to-box role or at right-back. This versatility would allow him to play alongside a midfield partner in a 4-2-3-1, or anchor the midfield on his own in a 4-3-3. What’s more, United are desperate for help at wing-back. Fabinho could provide cover for Antonio Valencia should the Ecuadorian have more injury troubles.

With other top Premier League teams boasting one-on-one threats such as Eden Hazard, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling, a player with strong tackling ability is essential. Fabinho’s tackling is even stronger than that of Matic. As well as being strong defensively, he provides an offensive threat, scoring nine league goals for Monaco last season. He is composed from the penalty spot, and his excellent passing range constantly ignites attacks.

Weaknesses: Aggression, Inexperience

Fabinho provides a wonderful engine in the middle of midfield, but his eagerness to win the ball can cause problems. Committing almost two fouls per game last season, he racked up 13 yellow cards. The Premier League is more physical than Ligue 1, and his indiscipline could become a huge problem.

At just 23 years old, Fabinho still has a lot to learn. An adjustment to the Premier League is never easy. Joining a club like Manchester United has many pressures, and many signings struggle to live up to the hype. While Matic is established in the Premier League, Fabinho is more of a risky signing.

Verdict

While either player would improve Manchester United, Fabinho provides the better option. His ability to anchor a midfield on his own or in a tandem would give Mourinho the ability to alter formations more frequently. Balancing the Champions League and the Premier League requires squad depth. Fabinho’s versatility in particular gives him the edge over Matic.

Main Photo