TRANSFER SCOPE: MANCHESTER UNITED

TRANSFER SCOPE: MANCHESTER UNITED

LAST SEASON

The 2013/14 season was definitely one to forget for Manchester united fans.  Under the guidance of David “the chosen one” Moyes, they went from defending champions and title contenders to scrambling for a Europa league spot with the likes of Tottenham and Everton, teams considerably below united on the financial, trophy and status fronts.  The faults last season were clear and aplenty from dressing room division to ignominious cup exits at the hands of mid table teams, plain and predictable attacking play and atrocious form at home.  Last season was a record breaking one for Manchester united but for all the wrong reasons.  United finished outside the top three for the first time in the premier league era, will not be playing European football (an occurrence which is happening for the first time in the life of this writer), saw the likes of Swansea City, Newcastle United, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion collect three points from the theatre of dreams for the first time in decades.

Summer addition Marouane Fellaini also served to be a flop while January signing Juan Mata through a combination of being played on the left and limited game time meant that he had a limited impact on the team.

NEXT SEASON

PROBLEM AREAS

Moving on to the new season, it is clear that the red devils need a major facelift, particularly in midfield, on the wings, at left back and in the center of defence.

LEFT BACK

At the time of writing, a deal had just been announced for the transfer of Southampton defender Luke Shaw to the tune of 30m pounds.  While holding reservations as to the size of the fee and wage packet (160,000 p/w), this deal should represent value for money if he stays on for the next decade.

 

WINGERS

United require players who are natural wingers, can beat a man with skill and pace and also capable of cutting in and playing infield.  This would be Nani but his form has been to erratic.
Who has been linked: Reports have linked united to summer deals for Arjen Robben, Memphis Depay, Di maria and Juan Cuadrado

Who should (also) be linked: Antoine Griezmann, Lazar Markovic, Xherdan Shaqiri, El Shaawary

Most likely Deal:   Memphis Depay given his age, potential and links to Loius van Gaal through the national team.

 

CENTER-BACKS

Due to the departures of stalwarts VIdic and Ferdinand, united require another world class presence at the back.

Who has been linked: Stefan De Vrij, Mats Hummels¸ Eliquim Mangala, Mathias Ginter

Who should (also) be linked:  Bruno Martins Indi, Fabian Schar

Most likely Deal:  Stefan De Vrij.

Dream Trasfer:  Matts Hummels and Bruno Martins Indi

 

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

For far too long this has been United’s problem area.  The club is still yet to find successors to Roy Keane and Paul Scholes. Ander Herrera has been brought in but while being an upgrade on cleverly and co, he alone is not enough to address the gaping holes in the team.

Who has been linked:  Kevin Strootman, Alex song, Johannes Geis, Bastian Schweinstieger, Arturo  Vidal, Nigel de Jong

Who should (also) be linked:  Ross Barkley, Axel Witsel, Illkay Gundogan, Max Meyer.

Most likely deal:  Nigel De Jong

Dream Transfer:  Arturo Vidal

DEPARTURES

With regards to players leaving the club, there seems to be a flurry of activity at Old Trafford this summer.  A new manager at the helm means new backroom staff as well as second chances for fringe players. However, veterans Vidic and Ferdinand have both left the club on Bosmans while the club will entertain offers for Ashley Young, Christopher Smalling, Nani and Anderson.  Wayne Rooney should also be sold to clear his wages off the bill.