Should Manchester United Give Up On Defender Chase? The Statistics

Patrice Evra has been the face instilled in the left-back berth at Old Trafford for some years now, and as his form dipped the season before last Sir Alex Ferguson drafted in Alex Buttner to provide some serious competition. The ploy worked, and not only did the Frenchman up his game substantially, they also received a quality, young full-back in Buttner. So United are surely covered in that area of the pitch, no? Well With David Moyes coming into the club the continued rumours regarding Leighton Baines have only intensified.

The Mirror are reporting that the former Everton boss has given up trying to secure a deal for the England international, but is that the right decision?

First thing is first - if you have the money and there is a chance you sign Leighton Baines, you sign Leighton Baines. There is no question about the Scouser's talents and his reputation is only getting higher. The years of Ashley Cole patrolling the left-back slot for his country appear to be coming to a close, as Baines is now first choice and Southampton starlet Luke Shaw is progressing up the ladder.

Let's take a look at how Baines got on last year for the Toffees.

Baines played every minute for the Merseyside club in the Premier League, something which not many out field players can boast. He scored five goals, created an incredible 116 chances and managed a ball retention percentage of 83.

He made five defensive actions per game and hit the target with 57% of his shots.

Should Manchester United be ready to give up on the 28-year-old? Not on your nelly.

All statistics provided by Squawka

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