82% Pass Accuracy, 36 Interceptions, 42 Clearances – Manchester United Should Sign This Veteran Midfielder

According to reports, Inter Milan’s Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso is going to be released on a free transfer after new Inter owner Erick Thohir has decided to put a cap on player wages, paving the way for the exit a few of the highest earners from the club. The veteran has been immediately linked with a move to the Premier League and here’s a look at three reasons why Manchester United should look to sign the Argentine.

1. Experience in midfield

The Argentine has an incredible record, having won the La Liga, the Serie A, the Club World Cup as well as the coveted Champions League during his stints at Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Having been part of such championship winning sides will undoubtedly mean that he has the mentality of a winner, something which the current United side is lacking following the retirements of various club legends over the last 2-3 years.

The midfield is lacking leadership, and the Argentine has the ability to inspire others around him with his combative nature on the pitch, and while at 33 he may not have too many years ahead of him, having him in the side will provide the sort of experience required to help the likes of Tom Cleverley develop their game.

2. Quality

Cambiasso is one of the most underrated players of his generation, as most of his hard work has been overlooked in favor of star players, but he remains a quality performer who can put in great performances week-in week-out. He has the ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder as evidenced by his performances for Argentina, while has played most of his career as a defensive midfielder for Inter. As per Squawka.com, he averages almost 5 defensive actions per game this season with 36 interceptions, 42 clearances and 3 blocks in 17 league appearances and to top that, he has an astounding 82% pass accuracy.

Even though he has been playing a defensive role in midfield, he does get forward to create chances and score goals as well. He has scored 51 goals in 414 appearances for the Nerazzuri, showcasing his ability to make runs from midfield, a quality sorely missing in United’ midfield. On top of that, he has created 31 chances for his teammates, showing his ability as a creative force from the middle third of the pitch.

3. Bargain buy

The Argentine is available on a free transfer in the summer, and even if United decide to buy him immediately, he should be available for a very reasonable amount. Considering the experience and quality he brings to the midfield, he may be just the catalyst required to jolt a stuttering United side into action in their pursuit of the Champions League spot.

The only stumbling block may be the wages- he currently earns a whopping £3.7 million per year at Inter (as per the same report from the Mirror) and he will look for at least a matching offer, even if United do not offer a raise. At 33, he will not be handed a long term contract, and hence a big contract for a couple of years may get United just the player they need, but the fans may not ideally want.

Watch a goal scored by Cambiasso with a bi-cycle kick: