With Louis van Gaal’s options in defence hampered by injuries to key players, Manchester United could target Arsenal FC right-back Mathieu Debuchy in a Deadline Day loan move.
Defensive stability has been one of Manchester United’s key strengths in an underwhelming second season under Louis van Gaal, but the loss of key personnel in that department has meant that the Red Devils have struggled to keep the opposition out in recent weeks.
The likes of Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young are all currently unavailable, and according to reports in the British press, the defensive crisis could see Manchester United resort to some last-ditch measures to get their season back on track.
England’s Mail Online reports that the Premier League giants are considering a loan move for Arsenal FC right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who has seen his game time at the Emirates reduce due to a combination of injury and the rise of Héctor Bellerín. The report suggests that even though United’s official line is that no activity is expected on Deadline Day, a late move could materialise, particularly considering Gunners’ boss Arsène Wenger admitted a loan move for the French defender is a possibility.
Wenger is quoted as saying: “At the moment it doesn’t look like (he will move), but it’s a possibility. It’s impossible to do a permanent deal now.”
Injury-depleted Manchester United linked with a shock move for Mathieu Debuchy https://t.co/1tMuR4cf8b #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/njIPgBXOdc
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) February 1, 2016
Manchester United could use Debuchy
Although the move may seem particularly underwhelming for Manchester United, Debuchy was among the better right-backs in the division when at Newcastle United. Injuries may have ruined his time at the Emirates, but a loan move to Old Trafford could help revive his career, while Van Gaal would get a decent temporary option at right-back for the remainder of the season.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Wenger sanctions a move to a Premier League rival, however, and the Frenchman may well opt to send his compatriot to a whole host of other clubs who are interested in his signature — like Ligue 1 side Bordeaux.
