Who Should Manchester United Sign in the Back Four?

By Nick Burgess @NickBurgess92 on October 29, 2014

World Cup years can be odd things. There are many famous examples of signings that have gone wrong for a club after the player had a great international tournament, and Manchester United could fall into that trap this January.

Ron Vlaar is a potential target for the Red Devils in the next transfer window as they attempt to shore up their porous back line. So far, United have a terrible defensive record, including allowing five goals to Leicester City and four to MK Dons. Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans have not been able to do the job this season, so Louis Van Gaal is looking at Vlaar as a potential replacement in the center.

The Dutchman had a brilliant World Cup, keeping some of the best attackers in the world contained, and that put several clubs on notice as it was assumed Aston Villa would not be able to hang onto him for long. The natural landing spot, thanks to the appointment of Louis Van Gaal, is to United.

Vlaar is not a signing that is going to make much of a difference. United need a leader in the back four, and Vlaar is not that man. He is an average defender who flourished in a three center back system that Van Gaal played in Brazil. In a traditional back four, he is not one that sets the world on fire. United need a seasoned veteran, and there are some quality options.

One such option is Ashley Cole. Reports in the British and Italian press have suggested the new Roma man does not fit with the play style they are trying to achieve in Italy. Cole has allegedly expressed a desire to head back to England to finish his career.

This would be a shrewd move for United to pursue the 33-year-old left back. It would be an experienced leader for a cut rate price that would not represent a long-term investment for the club, but would give the back line some solidity. In addition, the experience Luke Shaw could gain would be invaluable, as he is only 19 and still has plenty of growing left to do.

Another option is Mats Hummels. Hummels is the quintessential modern defender: tall, strong, fast and commanding in the air, he is a leader who can whip the young and inexperienced back line into shape. The same effect is achieved with the third option, former Red Devil Gerard Pique.

United must not make a mistake by spending money on Vlaar and neglecting these quality options. With the right money spent in the right places, United can plug their holes and have a much better shot at Champions League qualification next season.

Nick Burgess is a soccer columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBurgess92, “Like” him on Facebook and connect with him on Google.