Why Fabio Coentrao is a perfect fit for Manchester United

If Manchester United don’t sign Leighton Baines then we can expect to see some severe backtracking in the national press as the Everton left back was supposedly a ‘done deal’ according to almost every English newspaper. With the pressure mounting on David Moyes, Baines seemingly reluctant to move to Old Trafford and question marks still surrounding the last – and only- big money signing the manager has made when he’s raided his former club, it’s now beginning to look a lot less likely we’ll ever see the England full-back in the Red of United.

At 29 Baines would only offer a very short term answer to the question of who’s going to succeed Patrice Evra as United’s first choice left back. Moyes stated only a few weeks ago, the Frenchman is a leader for the Reds and may not need immediately replacing, which is what the Everton left back would surely do if he were to sign for United in a big money move.

With Southampton closing the door on any move for Luke Shaw, Moyes’ options for a successor to Evra are looking increasingly limited, but one move that could be perfect is one United tried- somewhat clumsily- in the Summer transfer window.

Fábio Coentrão was very nearly a deadline day signing for the Reds after an eleventh hour move – literally- for the Portuguese left-back fell through at the last minute. Coentrão has had very little playing time for Real Madrid this season and could be willing to move to Old Trafford even if it more as Evra’s understudy for the immediate future.

Fábio Coentrão Has Made Four La Liga Appearances This Season

One of the main criticisms of Evra is that the defensive side of his game can often be found wanting, especially at time catches up with a 32 year-old who’s played 20 games in the league alone this season and is expected to bomb forward at every given opportunity.

Patrice Evra Has Made 20 PL Appearances

There’s little doubt that United’s vice-captain needs an understudy and despite his recent ‘okay’ showing against Swansea, not many Reds believe Alexander Buttner is anywhere near good enough. Defensively Buttner is often dreadful but Coentrão is a different animal altogether and while far from perfect he’s not the liability the Dutchman is.

Fábio Coentrão Duels Won

When we look at the difference between Evra, Buttner and Coentrão’s tackling stats, we can see the Madrid man offers enough defensively to make him a likely target for Moyes.

Patrice Evra Duels Won

Alexander Büttner Duels Won

At 25 Coentrão is at an age where he could be a longer-term option for the Reds, a season as Evra’s understudy then perhaps a run in the side for the next few years as United’s first choice, should as expected his French counterpart move on in the Summer.

Like most Reds, I love Patrice, his attitude and passion give the air of a player who knows exactly what it means to play for United, but he needs an understudy who’s capable of playing not just in the cup games against ‘lesser’ sides but even in the important league matches and Fábio Coentrão could be ideal.