3 reasons why Manchester United should sign Toby Alderweireld

There was indeed a case for optimism for the Old Trafford faithful back in August when the season started.

Jose Mourinho had an impressive track record of winning the league title in his second year at every club he has managed and thus the onus was on him to deliver the coveted trophy in 10 month's time.

However, things were not straightforward and despite a brilliant start to the campaign, United's season derailed due to many reasons.

One primary reason for the same was Mourinho's inability to field a regular centre-back pairing as almost all of their defenders have been in and out of the treatment table throughout the season.

Thus, he is almost certain to bring in a quality central defender ahead of the next season and as a result, they have been linked with a host of names including Tottenham Hotspur captain Toby Alderweireld.

We look at 3 reasons why the Belgian will be a perfect addition to Manchester United:

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#3 Proven and established

Accustomed to the physical demands of the Premier League

It is always a huge plus to have an experienced and proven defender in your rank as they bring a sense of tactical know-how when the situation demands.

United have conceded many goals due to rookie mistakes from their defenders this season and it is a problem Mourinho must fix as soon as possible.

Every top team in Europe has an established defender at the heart of their defence- Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Thiago Silva, Mats Hummels, Vincent Kompany etc. and it is an absolute necessity if teams want to contest for Europe's elite trophies.

At the moment, it's fair to say that no United defender can be classified in the same rank as the aforementioned players.

Alderweireld is one such player who can bring a world of difference to United's current back-line and is capable of inspiring his fellow defenders and ease the pressure off them.

Plus he is accustomed to the physical demands and the ferocity of English football and thus can settle into life at the club with ease.

#2 One of the best ball playing defenders

Brilliant with his feet

A defender who is skilled enough and comfortable with the ball at his feet is undoubtedly an asset to any team. Throughout the years, Alderweireld has made a name for himself with his composure, distribution from the back and his brilliant passing range which has earned him many plaudits.

Of all centre-backs United have at the moment, Only Victor Lindelof can be classified as a ball playing defender but the Swede has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League following his arrival last summer.

Alderweireld's passing ability will allow United to deploy a 4-3-3 formation with ease as he can often initiate attacks from the deeper positions- similar to what Rio Ferdinand mastered during his time at the club.

This would allow the whole United team to push further up the pitch and the forwards can exploit the spaces behind the opposition defenders more often.

#1 A leader

A leader of men

Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic- some of the game's greatest characters have donned the red of Manchester United over the years and it goes without saying that sometimes you do need a ruthless force in your team who is hell-bent on winning games.

This is exactly what United lack at the moment and it is an attribute Alderweireld has. He is very vocal, is a proper commander from the back and is skilled enough to lead a team on his own.

He can be entrusted with leadership duties and his confident demeanour can be channelled to his teammates as well. Confidence and consistency are key to any title-winning team and in Alderweireld, United will get the perfect piece to complete their jigsaw.

Still only 29 years old, Alderweireld has a lot to offer and given the fact that United will be uncompromising in their quest to Premier League glory next season, the Belgian can make his mark at United, reduce the workload on de Gea and of course, propel them to the top of British football again.