Manchester United’s Important Summer Transfer Window By Michael Cox, freebets.org.uk After any disappointing campaign, top clubs are invariably described as being set to embark upon a ‘mass clearout’, followed by a relentless transfer campaign involving five or six major arrivals, usually totalling hundreds of millions of pounds. In truth, this rarely happens – because it rarely needs to. Clubs are generally better off concentrating on improving their existing players, and signing a small handful of players in specific areas. This is particularly the case for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United, a club which underachieved primarily because players fell short of their usual standards last season, thanks to a lack of guidance from David Moyes. On paper, United remain a strong team with great potential, and no more than four signings are required to make them title challengers once again. Goalkeeper Not too much to discuss between the posts – David De Gea was one of the best in the Premier League last season and could theoretically be United’s goalkeeper for another decade. He’s still relatively young, so it helps to have an elder goalkeeper as his back-up, and while Anders Lindegaard isn’t enormously experienced, he’s generally performed well whenever required. Defence Manchester United will undergo a revolution at the heart of their defence this summer, following the departures of both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who once formed the most fearsome centre-back duo in the world. That leaves three players – Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans – and while none of the trio have yet entirely convinced, all three have potential and that’s precisely what Van Gaal looks for. He loves improving young-ish individuals, and these three certainly have room for development. United will require another centre-back, however, and it’s worth them assessing the current contractual situation of Roma’s Mehdi Benatia, one of Europe’s most impressive centre-backs this term. He’s refused a new contract, apparently unhappy with the terms of the deal, and that has put Europe’s top clubs on alert. In basic terms, a step down from second-placed Roma to seventh-placed Manchester United is hardly an ideal career move, but in the long term United offer more opportunities to win domestic and European honours than Roma, and if they can offer attractive financial terms too, there’s no reason he can’t be tempted. The left-back situation depends on the rumoured deal for Luke Shaw – reports continue to insist he’s Manchester-bound, but the longer the saga continues, the more Chelsea seem set to pounce. Shaw’s arrival will mean the departure of Alexander Buttner, an average left-back. If Shaw doesn’t arrive, United might concentrate on strengthening in other positions, with Patrice Evra set to stay on another year. If not, Daley Blind is another option – Van Gaal knows him well from the Holland side, although often plays him in the centre of midfield. Rafael da Silva is a young, energetic player Van Gaal will probably embrace, but United need a proper back-up in that position – he won’t want to play Jones and Smalling out of position there. It could be worth them taking a chance on Mauricio Isla of Juventus, whose constant direct running would suit Van Gaal. He hasn’t had the best time at Juventus, and is more accustomed to a wing-back role, but his versatility would be handy. Midfield United certainly need a new central midfielder, but there’s no particular need for a mass clearout. Michael Carrick had an underwhelming campaign under David Moyes, but was United’s Player of the Season in 2012/13, and there’s no reason Van Gaal can’t rejuvenate him. Marouane Fellaini, meanwhile, had a horrendous debut campaign but has received far too much criticism. It’s tough to make up the jump up to a big club, especially considering Fellaini joined once the season had already begun, and was joining a club where the experienced leaders were also consistently failing to perform. It’s absolutely no surprise he struggled to improve the level of Manchester United, and while this doesn’t mean he’ll be a revelation in his second season, he’s been scapegoated far too much. He can be an asset to Van Gaal. Tom Cleverley, meanwhile, is an unspectacular player but not a terrible option as a fourth-choice. Any appearances from Darren Fletcher should be treated as a bonus, while Anderson will surely leave permanently. United need a strong, talented player in this zone, and if they make one big-money signing, it should be in central midfield. William Carvalho has constantly been linked and would be an excellent option for the long-term, and United’s link with Jorge Mendes means there’s an excellent chance of success here. Sven Bender offers technical ability and mobility, and is a different type of player to Carvalho. Other persistent targets, like Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera, are more adventurous players and not really required when you assess Manchester United’s other options. Kevin Strootman’s long-term injury means he’s not an option either, but Dani Parejo of Valencia, a brilliant all-rounder, could be a cheap alternative. Attacking midfield The one area where United desperately need a cull is out wide. Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Nani have all been disappointing for the past two seasons, and it would be a surprise to see more than one remain. Juan Mata, Shinji Kagawa and Adnan Januzaj are great options in this department. Mata and Kagawa are the type of players Van Gaal should be able to re-energise, while Januzaj seems set to develop into a top-class player. Van Gaal likes playing with width, however, and therefore will probably require another acquisition in this zone. Could they take a chance on PSG’s Lucas Moura, an old-fashioned outside-right who runs powerfully with the ball? He often hasn’t commanded a place in the PSG side, appearing as frequently from the bench as from the start this season, and could be up for grabs when PSG inevitably purchase another couple of talented attackers. Antonie Griezmann of Real Sociedad could be another option. Up Front Danny Welbeck seems set to leave because of the lack of opportunities upfront, while it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Javier Hernandez moved on after four years. Their futures might be interdependent, however, because it will be difficult for United to purchase a top-class striker considering both Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney will be ahead in the pecking order. Van Gaal has made Van Persie a key part of his Dutch side, while Rooney’s contract means he’ll be almost impossible to move on, even if Van Gaal wanted to. Hernandez and Welbeck, in their own ways, work well as back-ups. It feels like Manchester United can take a slight gamble in this zone, considering they’re not recruiting a first-choice. Wilfried Bony would certainly be open to a step up, and has had a year to get accustomed to the Premier League – he was more effective the more the season went on. He wouldn’t be cheap, but he would be a genuine alternative stylistically, and a perfect Plan B. But should Van Persie or Rooney become injured, using either in tandem with Kagawa or Mata as a number ten is better bet than turning to an inferior second striker. Should Welbeck or Hernandez stay, United don’t really need purchases in this zone – it’s actually their area of strength. Conclusion Based upon their current squad, United need to sign additional players at centre-back, full-back and in the centre of midfield, while a direct winger should be required once current players are transferred elsewhere. But the idea United need six or seven new signings to compete next year simply isn’t true – they need some improvements, but more importantly a new footballing philosophy and a winning mentality.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 20:05:00 +0000
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