Manchester United set to secure £17m Argentina international which could spark defensive reshuffle

Manchester United are on the verge of completing the signing of Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay in a deal worth around £17m. The deal could tip the merry-go-round in the United backline as Rio Ferdinand plays out what is likely to be his final year at the club, Nemanja Vidic continues to struggle with injury and Phil Jones looks to settle in the heart of defence. Patrice Evra could also be on the way out as Monaco continue their persuit and David Moyes looks to bring in Leighton Baines.

And breathe...

It was at the other end of the field that United drew media attention with Robin van Persie claiming the league's top scorer on their way to the Premier League trophy and Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney battled it out for second choice, with the latter eventually throwing his toys out of the pram when failing to hold down a place.

Some things never change, do they Wayne?

The signing of Garay should be met with excitement from supporters of the Old Trafford club as the Argentine 26-year-old is a real towering figure at the back. He holds experience in a number of different countries and has represented his country 11 times, but it was in this season's Europa League where he really caught the eye. Benfica progressed to the final, beating Newcastle along the way, before having their hopes snatched away with a last gasp Branislav Ivanovic header to give Chelsea the trophy.

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Comments

[John Tring]

Utd must be careful. After DM's strange selection as manager, Sky Bet has made Utd 2nd fav for next year, along with Chelsea. The message? An average manager from an average team does not inspire much hope. The only recourse may be to sign good players starting with this fellow Garay. Midfield is another big void and Cleverley/Welbeck/Anderson/Young are just rubbish. Hopefully Utd will sign some sensible players like Strootman, Fellaini , Vidal or Hamsik. Utd should not waste time "pursuing" CR. He's too expensive and Utd's limited resources should be better utilized. And Utd should act fast. Look at Citeh. 50m pounds and counting...