Gordon Strachan has urged Manchester United to consider a move for Brentford captain Nathan Collins to solve their defensive issues. The former Scotland manager described the Republic of Ireland international as a top centre-half and expressed surprise that he remains at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Strachan acknowledged Collins might not be the marquee name some United supporters crave. He said it was curious to watch Brentford and see the defender performing so well without attracting a major transfer bid. The 25-year-old has become a defensive cornerstone for Thomas Frank's side, which currently sits fourth in the Premier League with nine points from five games. The Bees have a goal difference of plus four, having scored eight goals and conceded four.
Collins' role and value at Brentford
Collins joined from Wolves in 2023 on a six-year deal and assumed the captaincy after Christian Norgaard's departure last year. He has been a regular at the heart of a defence that has conceded just four league goals this season, contributing to Brentford's strong start. The club holds an option to extend his contract by a further two years beyond its 2029 expiry, placing them in a strong negotiating position. Any sale would be expected to command a significant profit. Collins has averaged 4.5 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per 90 minutes this season, underlining his importance to a team that faces a challenging next fixture away at Aston Villa.
Manchester United's defensive issues
Strachan's comments come amid a difficult start for Manchester United, who have won just one of their opening five matches. Erik ten Hag's side has conceded in every game and picked up only five points, leaving them well off the pace. Their current first-choice back four of Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot has faced criticism for its lack of depth, particularly at left-back. The team has a negative goal difference of minus five, having scored six goals but conceded eleven. United's next match is at home against Tottenham Hotspur, a game where defensive solidity will be most important.
Brentford's form, which includes a 3-0 win over Chelsea last week, has heightened Collins' profile. The club's current squad depth and defensive statistics are also available on our squad and stats pages. With Collins tied down long-term, Brentford are under no pressure to sell their skipper.
More detail at Metro.co.uk
