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Can Sergio Ramos give Manchester United Defensive Boost?

by Michael Skok 27 czerwca, 2015

There has been plenty of talk of David De Gea switching from Old Trafford to the Santiago Bernabeau come next season. What’s come as a surprise was the fact that Sergio Ramos might be making that switch in reverse. The Spanish international is one of football’s biggest names, having been part of the FIFA World XI in 2015. He also scored Real Madrid’s all important goal in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in 2014, which forced the game into overtime, a game that Los Blancos won 4-1 at the end of the day. What would be the pros and cons for the Red Devils if such a transfer would be completed?

Pros
It is no secret that Sergio Ramos is one of the most proficient goal-scoring defenders around. Apart from that famous goal in the final, he also scored twice against Bayern Munich in the semifinals beforehand, in quite similar positions. Last season, he scored four goals in La Liga, which is a decent return for a central defender. If we were to look at the wider picture, the former Sevilla man managed a return of 40 goals in 314 applications for Real Madrid. Compare that to the former United Great Nemanja Vidic, who scored 15 goals in 211 applications for the Red Devils, or Rio Ferdinand, with a return of just 7 goals in 312 appearances. For sure the Madrid man would give Manchester United some added firepower during set pieces, which can prove vital in the context of the Premier League Season. The player also has quite strong passing ability, registering a 90% passing percentage throughout the 2014/2015 season in La Liga. He is also quite strong in aerial duels, and holds onto the ball quite well. Putting this into context with Louis Van Gaal’s style of play, which focuses on keeping possession of the ball, Sergio Ramos would do quite well in this department. Being a vice-captain at Real Madrid, second only to Iker Casillas, would instill some leadership and experience in the backline for the Red Devils.

Cons
Of course, one cannot overlook some of the flaws in Ramos’ play style. For one thing, the Spanish international fouls, quite a lot. He fouled more than Manchester United’s three regular defenders in the 2014/2015 season, who were Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, and Chris Smalling. This number can easily grow if the transfer goes through, as Manchester United’s defense would be tested much more than Real Madrid’s were. Last season, Sergio Ramos had received 14 yellow cards in 27 appearances, this number compared to Marcos Rojo, who was Manchester United’s most carded defender with six yellows in 22 games. Once again, Sergio Ramos can find himself in a position where he fouls just as much, if we were to take in context how many times United’s back line was being tested last season.

Verdict
Considering how exposed United’s backline was considering last season, this sort of move would be counter-productive. Ramos would give the Red Devils much flair and offensive firepower from the back, but he still warrants a huge risk if United were to still be suspect to counter attacks and losing the ball in dangerous situations, which was the case aplenty last season. It is more than likely that his playing style would exacerbate this situation, and at 29, it is very difficult to see whether he can reinvent himself in becoming much more disciplined in his tackling and fouling. For the moment, it would be more sensible to consider other targets before signing the Real Madrid star.

Michael Skok
Football Editor for
Polish-American Portal www.Poland.us
More on: www.mikesgoal.com