Man Utd Transfers: Eliaquim Mangala Signing Could Be Key To Solving Defensive Frailties

recently voiced concerns that his team lacked the world class players capable of winning the Champions League this season. It is clear that the manager expects further backing in the upcoming transfer markets to enable him to assemble a Manchester United team shaped in his own image. With an ageing defence, could the Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala be the rock on which Moyes builds his new team? It has recently been reported that United have joined a number of top European clubs in the queue for the young Frenchman's signature. Mangala revealed that City were interested in signing him towards the end of this summer's transfer window but a deal failed to materialise. Speculation is also rife that Chelsea are chasing the player and a potential January deal has been mooted. Given his close connections to Porto, Jose Mourinho will be confident that he could steal a march on United if the player did become available. Mangala, who made his full debut for France in June, is a powerful, combative defender known for his tough tackling and aerial ability. He was a key part of Porto's successful title defence last term, establishing himself in the first team following his switch from Standard Liege. The 22 year old is said to have a buy out clause of around £40 million as part of a contract that does not expire until 2016. Therefore, any club wishing to secure his services would be expected to fork out a sizeable transfer fee. Furthermore, it is unlikely that Porto will be desperate to cash in on Mangala, given that they received a reported £60 million from Monaco, for the transfers of James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho. Mangala's profile fits with the recent United trend of buying young talent, but they have not spent that kind of money on a defender since the purchase of Rio Ferdinand from Leeds, in 2002. Ferdinand, who will turn 35 next month, has started alongside Nemanja Vidic in 6 of United's 7 league games so far, with Moyes opting for experience to ease the transition from Ferguson's reign to his. However, the partnership has highlighted that age may be beginning to catch up with both players. The ease in which Amalfitano swept past Ferdinand en route to scoring for West Brom and the manner in which Vidic was turned inside out by Negredo against City exposed weaknesses in the pair that would have been unthinkable a few years ago. United have only kept two clean sheets in the league this season and only three teams have let in more goals, (Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Newcastle). Moyes has a number of central defenders already in his 25 man squad, Phil Jones being the most highly rated by the club. Jones has spent much of his United career filling in for various defenders and midfielders but his preferred position is centre back. He is likely to be one of the long term replacements for Ferdinand and Vidic but the second centre back spot is very much up for grabs. United signed Ferdinand in 2002 because their defence desperately needed freshening up. The club had finished third in the Premier League the previous season, still their joint worst finish to date, and veteran defender Denis Irwin had retired. Ferguson sensed that his squad needed an injection of world class talent and typically displayed no sentiment in ruthlessly disposing of Ronny Johnsen, a loyal servant of the club, to bring in Ferdinand. One of Ferguson's greatest strengths was sensing when a player was past his peak and ensuring they were moved on quickly. Moyes must do the same and Mangala could be the world class centre back he desperately needs.