Manchester United are among the clubs that are interested in Nathan Collins
Last season was a big setback for Manchester United. The team finished 15th in the Premier League and were knocked out of Europe after losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Ruben Amorim took over in the middle of the season, but the team could not find stability. Now the new season has started against Arsenal, but questions about the defence line are becoming more serious.
This summer, the club added Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and young Diogo Leon, while the most important deal was that of Benjamin Sesko, as Rasmus Hojlund had a completely disappointing last season. Now reports are coming out from the Daily Mail that United are showing interest in Brentford captain Nathan Collins. This centre-back from the Republic of Ireland was given the captaincy after the departure of Christian Norgaard, after a brilliant performance last season, but United are not alone, as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also eyeing Collins.
According to the Daily Mail report, the biggest problem for United will be Collins’ price, as the club will first have to raise funds by selling players. On the other hand, Liverpool have already made good money from the sale of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Caoimhin Kelleher, so the deal may be easy for them. This situation is even more difficult for Brentford, as they recently made Collins the captain, and now there is a threat of losing the 24-year-old. The question for United is how practical it is to sign Collins under the current financial pressure.
Is Collins the right option?
Manchester United are among the clubs that are interested in Nathan Collins.
Brentford will not be willing to let their captain go cheaply
Now the real issue is whether United should focus on Collins or some other target. Every signing has to be done carefully, considering the current condition of the club. Collins has talent, and he has proven himself at Brentford, but playing in a team like United is a different pressure. Amorim’s defensive system may suit Collins, as he is physically strong and also looks reliable in passing, but the question is also whether he will be able to handle United’s weak defence immediately.
In comparison, Collins might fit Liverpool’s style better, as Arne Slot’s side plays a high line, and Collins’ strength in aerial duels could come in handy there. United, on the other hand, need a defender who brings both stability and experience.
Still, Brentford will not be willing to let their captain go cheaply, so United will have to see how much they are willing to spend. If the club really want to bet on Collins, they will have to assume that this signing comes with risk. We think this won’t be possible as not much time is left in the end of the summer transfer window, and the Red Devils still have to sell their deadwood players like Garnacho, Sancho, Antony and even Hojlund. The team needs to invest in the right fit, not just the name, otherwise this transfer could become a liability like previous mistakes.