Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd told why Rangers skipper James Tavernier could fix Erik ten Hag right-back issues

Rangers skipper James Tavernier

Manchester United have been told why they should look into signing Rangers skipper James Tavernier, with Erik ten Hag still evaluating his right-back options. 

The Red Devils boss opted to start Diogo Dalot over Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the Premier League opening defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, but doubts continue to surround the position.

And former Morton and Dundee boss Jim Duffy is ‘baffled’ as to why English clubs are not looking at Tavernier.

He believes the 30-year-old is ‘good enough’ to play for United and other top-six sides.

Any sides interested in the player will have to act fast though, with Tavernier tipped to sign a new Ibrox deal.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard earlier this week, Duffy said: “I am absolutely baffled that no major English Premiership club has tried to buy James Tavernier with his quality and his consistency at the top level over the last two and a half years.

“He struggled to win the Rangers fans over a bit to start with because they hadn’t won anything. But the last couple of years his development as a player and captain has been nothing sort of immense.

“His stats are different level. He’s a modern-day full-back with his delivery. Defensively he’s better as well and he’s an all-round terrific player.

“There are very consistent players but when you’re in the spotlight as much as the Rangers captain you have to produce and any dip at all is exaggerated so all credit to him. I think he’s been absolutely outstanding for Rangers and I’m baffled why somebody hasn’t come in.

Tavernier bridges the gap between United right-backs

“When you see the amounts of money being thrown about down south for a lot less talented players than him then it complete confuses me.

“I think he’s good enough for the top six. I look at Man Utd and who they have at right back. He’s better than their right back.

“At that kind of level I have no doubts whether it be Arsenal, Man Utd or any of them I think he’s good enough to go play in the top half of the Premier League.”

It’s no secret that Ten Hag is looking to potentially upgrade the right-back position, especially given what he saw from Dalot against Brighton. Wan-Bissaka’s play in the final third has also hampered his game since signing for big money from Crystal Palace.

In some ways, Tavernier bridges the gap between the two. He is not as strong defensively as Wan-Bissaka but he offers a real threat going forward and also has goals in his locker.

The major concern would be trusting they he can translate what he does in Scotland to a much tougher English top flight.

However, Tavernier excelled in Rangers’ run to the Europa League final last season to quash that argument.

United will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they head to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

READ MORE: Rabiot arrival to solve Ten Hag problem that’s ‘not working’