Nicolás Otamendi and Pedro: The Perfect Transfer Targets
Around Europe, in the last week, there has been a buzz over the futures of Pedro from FC Barcelona and Valencia’s Nicolás Otamendi.
After Pedro scored the winner in Barca’s thrilling European Super Cup victory over Sevilla, he looked quite distant from the celebrations, and the post-match interview he gave after the match did little to refute the rumors of a potential move to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Otamendi has been once again linked to a move to Old Trafford for the 100th time this summer. According to Goal.com, he was reportedly left off Valencia’s Champions League squad against AS Monaco amid interest from both United and City. With the news of their potential arrivals, let’s take a look at the type of impact both men could have at Old Trafford.
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If confirmed, the arrival of Nicolás Otamendi would ameliorate one of United’s key issues: the defence. Last season, and this pre-season, it was clear that there was instability in defence. This was seen many times, with United failing to hold on to leads, most memorably against Leicester City away.
Louis van Gaal has experimented with Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling, Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans at center half since the beginning of last season. With the arrival of Otamendi, United would have a far more stable and strong defence; one capable of containing the offensive firepower of teams like Chelsea and Manchester City. If Otamendi joins, then the back line would most likely feature the quartet of Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Nicolas Otamendi, and new signing Matteo Darmian.
The arrival of Pedro would be another boost for United and their title aspirations, both domestically and in Europe. Pedro has struggled recently to break into the Barcelona front line, which now features the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. Though he has found himself on the fringes at Barcelona, his place would be far more assured at United.
If this signing happens, United would likely line-up with a front three featuring Pedro, Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay. With the skills from Pedro and Depay on the wings, and Rooney down the middle as a lone striker, Manchester United’s attacking flair could put them in a position for a title challenge in the Premier League and perhaps even in the Champions League. Given the millions of pounds spent on summer signings, excluding the potential arrivals of Pedro and Otamendi, it would be a failure to not challenge on both fronts.
Nicolás Otamendi made 35 appearances in La Liga for Valencia last season, who finished in 4th place, and are now in the Champions League qualifying round against AS Monaco. Otamendi won 49% of his tackles, 59% of his fouls, 50% of his take-ons, and 64% of his aerial duels. He made 267 clearances, 111 interceptions, and 28 blocks. And he managed to sustain 79% pass accuracy, while scoring 6 goals, 5 of them being headers. Chris Smalling, by comparison, won 44% of his tackles, 32% of his fouls, 84% of his take-ons, and 66% of his aerial duels, while scoring 4 goals in 25 appearances. In addition, he managed 163 clearances, 58 interceptions, and 16 blocks. Based on these stats, the clear superiority to Smalling, arguably United’s most reliable center back last season, demonstrates the capabilities that Otamendi has to bolster United’s back line.
Pedro made 35 appearances for Barcelona, who finished last season as Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey and European Super Cup winners. He started 15 matches from those 35 appearances and scored 6 times for. He managed 87% pass accuracy while also creating 25 chances for goal, 19 coming in the form of a key pass and 6 coming in the form of an assist. Pedro managed a 65% shot accuracy and, in addition, won 40% of his duels. Ashley Young, who plays a similar position out wide and with similar characteristics, managed 26 appearances last term for Manchester United. From 26 appearances, he managed 24 starts and scored 2 times. He managed 81% pass accuracy while creating 34 chances for goal, 29 in the form of a key pass and 5 as an assist. Young had 47% shot accuracy and won 51% of his duels. Though he managed fewer starts than Young, Pedro would be a fine addition based on his performance last season for Barcelona.
At the moment, both signings have big question marks over them, with Pedro reportedly wary of working with van Gaal, with ESPNFC indicating that United are not actively pursuing Nicolás Otamendi.
With Phil Jones’ recent injury and an unconvincing back line, it would be wise to bring in a world-class defender in Otamendi, whilst Pedro would give United an attacking spark and flair, which could make the front line more prolific and could take some of the responsibilities off Memphis Depay, who has not yet hit his stride at Manchester United.
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Based on the Utd first two performances of season, I’m starting to think that Otamendi would be more of a luxury signing than a necessity. Chris Smalling has stepped up since the end of last season and has been really commanding and reliable at the back. If he can stay fit and keep Jones away from from the starting lineup then I’ll be happy for the season. Blind has slotted in nicely as his partner and brings good control and passing. So far, it’s been a good pairing. Add to this Rojo, who should hopefully improve in his second season, and that allows two decent left footed CBs to battle it out as Smalling’s partner. The crazy amount of injuries really screwed us up last season as well as getting used to the new philosophy. I think we’ll be ok this time round (Darmian and a fit Shaw complete a good back four) and can wait to buy Hummels next summer.
Up front is where Utd are looking especially poor. Not convinced that Memphis is a starter yet so I’d like to see a spanish trio of Pedro, Mata and Herrera supporting Rooney, who also needs some world class (or at least 20 goal a season class) competition up front as he’s been useless against Spurs and Villa
Otamendi is a step up to Smalling. I know if he went to the blue half they would win the league! Mangala isn’t good enough to partner Kompany! We have not been tested at the back yet but we will soon especially in Europe and against top 4 rivals. We need Otamendi or Ramos definitely.
As to the strikers Rooney wouldn’t be at the club if I was CEO. He disrespected the club twice and he will not score 20 plus goals any longer. I would buy Lukaku and Pedro.
I’m not entirely convinced that he is a step up from a fit Smalling that has been given a run of games. I agree that Otamendi to City wouldn’t be great but we can’t use that as a basis for buying him. Also, can City really afford to give up on Mangala after making him the most expensive defender ever in the league? Van Gaal clearly isn’t that keen on Otamendi (certainly not for over £30m anyway) and would much have preferred Ramos who is more composed on the ball, experienced and can get forward well. But this isn’t going to happen either so we’re better off sticking with Smalling , who’s been excellent since getting sent off against City and definitely deserves to be starting for Utd. Alternatively I don’t know why we haven’t gone for Garay, who fits LVGs mould better and would cost about half the price. Otamendi is too similar a player to Rojo: aggressive in the tackle and strong in the air, albeit slightly better but LVG has already bought Rojo so he might as well stick with him. If we buy another CB then we’ll potentially have seven in the squad. Now that the season has started it’s evident that the striker department is much more urgent to improve
I agree Smalling has improved a lot since his stupid red at City. I would partner him with Otamendi. I was right about Romulo Lukaku did you see his performance today against a good Southampton defence. Unplayable in first half! When was Rooney s last great game? 2 yrs ago v West Ham away (goal from half way line!)
Yep, was looking into the possibility of Lukaku as well but he would cost close to £40m since Everton signed him for almost £30m only last year on a five year contract and have only got Naismith and Kone to fall back on. Also, not sure that he’s got the consistency in him yet (only 10 league goals last year) and Mourinho clearly didn’t have that much of confidence in him. Still only 22 I know, but we need world class quality now.
I personally don’t think Rooney has been the same since he had kids and mellowed down!… At 30 he’s starting to lose that change of pace to beat defenders and drops far too deep for an out an out striker. It’s a difficult one because who else is out there that can be relied on to get 20 plus goals a season and make the step up to Utd? LVG made a mistake getting rid of RVP without a plan B. If we’re going to spunk all our Adidas money away we should do it on Lewandowski who knows where the goal is and how to just put a ball in there.
Nearly all the top clubs in Europe excluding Barcelona and Bayern Munich need strikers. Lukaku would be a plan B and agree Everton would be hard negotiations. Lewandowski was Supposed to be United bound 2 yrs ago and signed for Beyern. I like him a lot. Remember when he took those 4 goals V Madrid☺
I’ve got it! Rooney plus £50m for Ronaldo…
Oh yes please be the greatest day this season! Ronny back to where he belongs…..