Manchester United Opinion: Why the Red Devils should not sign Eric Dier?

According to a report from the Times, Manchester United are contemplating making a move for Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier this summer. The report claims the Red Devils are looking to find an upgrade on Nemanja Matic at the base of midfield.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to make significant changes to his squad this summer following a dire end to the previous campaign and has already begun his rebuild after it was announced that a deal has been agreed in principle with Swansea City for the signing of Daniel James. A lot transfer activity is expected at Old Trafford and the club are thought to be interested in adding a couple of midfielders.

Ander Herrera has left the club on a free transfer and his Spanish compatriot Juan Mata is expected to follow the suit. Paul Pogba’s future remains uncertain amidst interest from Real Madrid and if he departs, Solskjaer will be left with Nemanja Matic, Fred, Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira as options in midfield.

Matic, in particular, had a poor 2018/19 season according to his standards, with his performance levels dropping significantly after an impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford. The Serbian played only in five of United’s last 12 Premier League matches of this past campaign.

He’ll turn 31 in August and his lack of mobility and energy is polar opposite with the exciting, expansive and high-pressing football Solskjaer wants to employ at the club. Thus, selling Matic and replacing him this summer would be the right move from Solskjaer and company.

However, signing Eric Dier to replace Matic in the holding role should be avoided by the Red Devils.

Dier, 25, was heavily linked with a move to United in the summer of 2017 when Jose Mourinho was in charge of the club. In fact, the Guardian claimed back in 2017 that Spurs turned down an offer from United for the defensive midfielder.

However, the England international’s form has dipped significantly since then, with Dier seeing his playing time get reduced thanks to a poor run of niggling injuries. The 25-year-old fell down the pecking order in Tottenham’s midfield options behind Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks this season.

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He managed only 20 Premier League games after an unfortunate spate of injuries and poor form, and it would be no surprise to see Dier sold this summer by Tottenham.

Verdict

Solskjaer needs a mobile, quick and intelligent midfielder to replace Matic. Dier, for all his qualities, isn’t the profile of player United should be looking at. Thus, the Red Devils must avoid signing Spurs midfielder this summer.