Man Utd should target World Cup winner and 'cult hero defender' says club legend

Manchester United should target a World Cup winner who has become a "cult hero defender" says a club legend.

Paul Scholes says he would like to see Cristian Romero at Old Trafford, despite the Tottenham defender's reputation for playing on the edge with a poor disciplinary record.

The Argentina defender is a colleague of Lisandro Martinez which would help his adaption and Scholes believes his personality and aggressive style would make him an ideal addition.

"Do you know what? I love him. I love watching him play football," Scholes said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast.

"He's a very good defender that does some stupid things. He is an absolute clown. But I think if someone could get hold of him, like Michael Carrick, who is very calm and relaxed, he might be able to [help him].

"He seems like a bit of a cult hero defender, really. I know it might sound strange, but I think the fans at Old Trafford would like him."

But United would need to hijack a move by Atletico Madrid for the player who has given the green light for a link-up with fellow Argentine Diego Simeone.

Romero was a key member of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning side, starting six of their seven matches and playing the full 120 minutes of the final against France. He also helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2024.

United have plenty of young defensive talent, with Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven among the players set for a bright future.

But Romero brings experience at 28, including in the Premier League as well as leadership qualities having captained Tottenham.

Romero is comfortable stepping into midfield to engage opponents and has the confidence to play forward from the back.

But there is a risk attached to that approach. His aggression has occasionally boiled over, with disciplinary problems becoming a recurring feature of his time in England.

That was evident when he was sent off against United earlier this year. Tottenham boss Thomas Frank at the time defended his captain's character, describing him as a leader while acknowledging that he still needs to learn how to control his aggression.

Despite Scholes' recommendation, there is no indication that United are currently preparing a move for Romero.

The Argentine was linked with Old Trafford earlier this summer, but those reports were subsequently played down by sources close to the club.

The defender has attracted interest from Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan, while Tottenham are now increasingly open to his departure.

For United, the question is whether Romero's experience and personality would justify making an exception to their increasingly youth-focused recruitment strategy.