Manchester United should turn to Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk to solve their developing defensive crisis, according to former Scotland international Pat Nevin.
The Red Devils’ defence has been ripped apart on several occasions already this season – notably to Premier League newcomers Leicester City and third-tier side MK Dons in the League Cup where they let in a total of nine goals during both matches.
Despite splashing out £150m on players the club failed to address the pressing need for experience in central defence and Nevin thinks they must resolve the problem in January – with him urging United boss Louis van Gaal to turn to his compatriot Van Dijk.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that they need another major centre-half who was powerful, and preferably one who can play from the back,” he told the Daily Star.
“I’m almost describing to a tee a player like Van Dijk, who is playing for Celtic at the moment.
“If I was Manchester United, and Celtic fans wouldn’t thank me for it, I’d be on the phone and get Van Dijk down to Manchester United. He is absolutely nailed on to be a player who could have done the job.
“Even if it was for a short period of a year or two, before they got someone who is world class. You never know, Van Dijk could have grown into that.”
