Manchester United reviving bid for former academy star
Following a series of defensive blows, it appears Manchester United could be ready to revive their interest in Stoke City defender, Ryan Shawcross.
The centre-back spent the majority of his youth training with the Old Trafford club but failed to fit into the first team plans of Sir Alex Ferguson and took a move to Stoke City in 2008.
However, Shawcross’ departure may have proven to be one of the Scot’s more regrettable decisions after the 24 year-old has developed massively in the last three years and is on the outer brink of an England spot.
United have been linked with a move for Shawcross in recent transfer windows but any interest the Premier League title holders may have had failed to gather any serious momentum.
That may have changed now though, after the team suffered the loss of team captain, Nemanja Vidic, who will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee twist.
Although the Serbian is unlikely to move away from Old Trafford anytime soon, the Red Devils could still require defensive reinforcements if they are to retain the Premier League trophy.
Rio Ferdinand remains an ever-risky option as the stalwart struggles to maintain full fitness with his history of knee and back problems.
Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and the da Silva twins have also experienced time on the sidelines this season as part of an ever-changing Manchester United starting XI.
Shawcross has gained a reputation for his tough tackling that sometimes oversteps the mark, leading to frequent bookings, however the 24 year-old seems to have matured this campaign and has started 18 of Stoke’s 19 Premier League fixtures as well as featuring consistently in their Europa League run.
