Soccer Premier League

5 Center Backs Manchester United Should Target

5 Center Backs United Must Look At

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League
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With Louis van Gaal's 3-5-2 formation, strong a strong defense is the key to success, and United's shortcomings are due to a dearth of quality at the position. With enough money to buy a small country, van Gaal can sign just about anybody he wants. Here are five center backs he should look at during the transfer window.

5. Gerard Pique

FC Barcelona v Cordoba CF - La Liga
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5. Gerard Pique

FC Barcelona v Cordoba CF - La Liga
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Pique started at United after leaving the Barca youth system, but was held in check due to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. A rift between him and current manager Luis Enrique also makes it possible for him to leave; and although his contract is until 2019, he isn't used as much as he should be.

4. Neven Subotic

Borussia Dortmund Training Session & Press Conference
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4. Neven Subotic

Borussia Dortmund Training Session & Press Conference
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The Serbian international has many traits of his current counterpart Mats Hummels, and is a quality back in his own right. He will probably be cheaper than Hummels as well, and he is a larger threat in the air.

3. Ron Vlaar

Aston Villa v Sunderland - Premier League
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3. Ron Vlaar

Aston Villa v Sunderland - Premier League
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Vlaar has excelled in the Premier League and for his international side for quite some time. Since he ran the same formation under van Gaal at the World Cup, look for him to try to join his coach at Old Trafford in January.

2. Diego Godin

Club Atletico de Madrid v Malmo FF - UEFA Champions League
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2. Diego Godin

Club Atletico de Madrid v Malmo FF - UEFA Champions League
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Godin is a rock in defense for Atletico Madrid and helped lead them to a La Liga title last year. He is fantastic in the air and scored against Real Madrid last year in the Champions League final. Coach Diego Simeone has said he is not for sale, but a hefty price may force his hand in the coming weeks.

1. Mats Hummels

France v Germany: Quarter Final - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
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1. Mats Hummels

France v Germany: Quarter Final - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
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Mats Hummels is the best centre-half in the world and made the best XI in the World Cup. His team has been astronomically terrible this year and could even be relegated if they don't get their act together. With Marco Reus' possible exit, Hummels may want to jump ship to a team that will play in the Champions League next year, and United are going in hard for him.

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