Some may still find it hard to believe that Manchester United finished the season only conceding 29 goals in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho as we know is tactically astute when it comes to building a defence – as his mantra has always been ‘safety first’ – but how does he achieve it with arguably one of the worst group of defenders that we have seen in some time at Old Trafford. Eric Bailly is the exception of course, although the rest of the riff raff like Smalling, Jones, Rojo and alike need to be upgraded. Lindelof could prove to be a fine addition in time, but I would personally move for a tried and tested Premier League centre half in Michael Keane.

Obviously the signing of Keane would see another Pogba-esque scenario, in spending millions to bring back an old boy seems par for the course at Old Trafford these days. The club’s inability to insert buy back clauses – like the Barcelona’s of this world do – could see United spend £120m on two players they had for nothing within their ranks.  Regardless of this, in signing Keane we would be bringing back a player that is not only a top class centre half, but one who was brought up around the club throughout his formative years as a footballer and understands what is expected of players at Manchester United.

Whilst Michael Keane at Burnley appeared to be akin to the likes of Nemanja Vidic – in being a no nonsense defender – his appearances for England showed that he possesses excellent ability with the ball at his feet and can more than pick a pass and looks assured in possession. Ok he is certainly no Rio, but his composure will provide Mourinho with the alternative to utilise him in a back 4 or 5 throughout the season – or potentially move him up into the holding role in midfield, in much the same way that Tottenham use Eric Dier.

You may love or loathe Jose Mourinho’s regular outbursts, but I for one am all for it – as a club have carried too many passengers for far too long. The public digging out of Smalling and Jones towards the end of last season didn’t really have the desired effect, as both players both happily kept themselves sidelined – up until the Europa League final of course when they were happy to declare themselves fit. The harsh reality is that Jones has never delivered at Old Trafford, whilst Smalling has failed to live up to the early promise he showed in the first couple of seasons.

Some of you may think I am being harsh, given the stats that show how tight United’s backline was; however, I believe that was largely down to Bailly’s and De Gea’s heroics on a weekly basis – as well as Carrick offering huge protection in midfield. The reality is that we need to upgrade throughout – especially in the backline and I really feel that Keane would bring that alongside Bailly and Lindelof in vying for a place in defence. As mentioned he is proven in the Premier League and more importantly is steeped in our club’s fabric so will arrive under no illusions of what he needs to bring to Old Trafford. Keane represents a safe pair of hands for Mourinho and at £25m a relatively cheap set at that.

Guest post contributed by Jack Radetic