<p style="text-align: justify"><strong>Manchester United</strong> are <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-interested-dani-alves-5766174" target="_blank">reportedly</a> interested in signing out of favour FC Barcelona full-back Dani Alves in the summer for a free transfer. Dani Alves' contract will expire after the current season ends and it seems highly unlikely that he will sign a new contract deal with the club. The Brazilian had revealed yesterday that<a href="https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QqQIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehardtackle.com%2F2015%2Fdani-alves-i-am-not-thinking-about-money-the-club-doesnt-value-me%2F&ei=crRkVeGsFNOzuASC74DIBA&usg=AFQjCNE-VVhf-bKwxdfpu8gyBCMsM7ND2A&sig2=ILqckNdpLyvmicBVYLTGKg&bvm=bv.93990622,d.c2E" target="_blank"> he is not happy</a> with the club's treatment and he may opt to move out soon.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">In the absence of a proper wing back, Louis van Gaal had shifted right midfielder Antonio Valencia into the makeshift right-back role for almost the entire season. While Valencia did a commendable job, United would look to sign a proper right wing back . Alves' offensive abilities could actually complement's United's 3 man defense.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Dani Alves, 32, has been plying his trade at FC Barcelona since the last 7 years. He brings a handful of experience at the highest level, that could come in handy for a team like United, who are heading into the Champions' League next season. However, Alves' age and the wages he commands, might play as a deterrent for Man United to sign him.</p> <p style="text-align: justify"><a href="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/comparison.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-173562" src="http://www.thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/comparison.png" alt="comparison" width="818" height="564" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: justify">The above graphic shows a comparison between Alves's performance and Manchester United defenders' performances in the 2014-15 season. While considering that Barcelona play a with a higher tempo and it's wing backs venture deep into the opponent's half, Alves' stats are still comparable to that of Valencia's.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Dani Alves could be a handy pick in this season's transfer window as he is available for free. He can still serve the club for another 2 to 3 years with Paddy McNair as his cover. With the Brazilian's arrival, Antonio Valencia can again go back to his natural role.</p>