Forget Strootman, Manchester United Must Look Into These Super Alternatives

Manchester United failed to land a marquee signing in central midfield after the long-drawn Vidal saga in the summer and the constant speculation surrounding Netherlands midfielder Kevin Strootman, who some reports say, could join as early as January. Manchester United look short of some bite in central midfield. Michael Carrick isn’t getting any younger, Marouane Fellaini has his limitations and nobody is quite sure whether Louis van Gaal actually believes the lightweight Ander Herrera is the right man for his midfield. Let’s take a look at three Kevin Strootman alternatives for Manchester United.

William Carvalho:

The young Portugese midfielder was mooted as a strong possibility to join United in the summer, but the reported move fell apart due to Sporting’s insistence of getting the player’s release clause – a hefty £35 million. If United fail to land Strootman in January or next summer, Carvalho’s eye-watering price tag may not seem a bad piece of business for a player with potential in a defensive midfield role United wouldn’t mind spending on. Carvalho’s signing will ease the pressure on Michael Carrick who has been United’s Mr. Consistent for the past few seasons. Carvalho is a massive unit and will add that much needed balance to United’s side, allowing the creative talents of Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria to flourish.

Sami Khedira:

The Real Madrid man has been a bit part player this season since the arrival of Toni Kroos. While Khedira may not possess the dynamism of Strootman, his workhorse attitude and ability to break up play as well link up with the forwards were pivotal to Germany’s Cup campaign. Khedira may not be an out-and-out defensive player but he promises to be an excellent foil for defensive minded midfielders like Daley Blind and Marouane Fellaini, and his running ability could add that much needed spark in an United side who have looked pedestrian at times.

Morgan Schneiderlin:

One of the key architects of Southampton’s flying start to this season, Morgan Schneiderlin was the subject of a proposed move to Tottenham in the summer but seems to have settled down at the club now. The Frenchman is well suited to the possession-based style Louis van Gaal has implemented at United and his habit of winning tackles and screening the defence could home in handy with a shaky United back line. Schneiderlin’s busy nature and forward minded passing will make him fit seamlessly into the United mould. A move wont come cheap, given Southampton had proved this summer that they are no pushovers in the transfer market.