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Juan Cuadrado (Right Midfield) – Fiorentina
The energetic Colombian is targeted by many top clubs, even from the Premier League. Cuadrado has been Fiorentina’s key man while he also showed his ability in the World Cup. Man Utd’s problems lie in the midfield as well. Most people don’t look beyond the defensive problems, but the midfield lacks balance. United have always been the team who would prefer playing an attack minded 4-4-2 formation. Last year’s purchase of Juan Mata meant that there was a wily number 10 player in the team and there needed to be a spot for him in the formation.
United’s two strikers playing centrally meant Mata would play on the wings. Mata’s influence isn’t strong in the wide areas as much as it is centrally when he’s given freedom to operate. Mata has been getting goals and assists but that’s because of his sheer ability. He’s not been controlling games like he did with Chelsea a couple of seasons before. Now we get to the other Juan, who is Cuadrado. Cuadrado has pace, energy, work rate as well as dribbling, crossing and finishing skills. Man Utd have Valencia, Young and Januzaj who play wing. Valencia has become really predictable, Young is rather poor or average while Januzaj is a developing player and is honestly, not good enough to be a top first team’s decisive Right Winger as yet. Cuadrado can play 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 or any formation the manager likes. He can switch to a wing back or a balanced wide midfielder or an advanced wide player by playing as a winger. He’ll bring extra flair to Man Utd and would fit perfectly.