Each time the transfer window swings open, it seems Manchester United are the team who keep the rumor mills running. They are usually linked with a plethora of quality players and sometimes, it is rightly observed that the entire footballing universe is linked with the Old Trafford based club.
New manager Louis van Gaal has certainly got his work cut out this summer. And having already made two signings during the World Cup, there is an evident need for more. The names which have been lately associated with United include Arturo Vidal, Juan Cuadrado and Angel di Maria.
Under David Moyes, there was a sheer need for a quality central midfield owing to the fact that Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Marouane Fellaini failed to deliver what was expected out of them. It was a lethargic and a highly sluggish side that the club’s fans blew their money on to watch. Lady Luck never shone and that fear factor was, from all appearances- lost. Veterans Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand left behind a glorious piece of history and Patrice Evra followed them out. This sparked the need to sign a centre back who can effectively act as a replacement for the gone stars.
It has been widely said that United need more than 1 or 2 signings after the captures of Luke Shaw and Spaniard Ander Herrera, but do they really need those many of them? They of course need signings but how many?
The answer is One. And that one signing must be in the form of someone who is a hard tackling, tireless ball winner in the heart of the park. The ‘commitment’ and ‘desire’ was sorely lacking last season. It all seemed as if every vestige of that had ran out under Sir Alex. It was a story of laziness, tardiness which Man United fans still loath to recall. The allegiance and the hard working mentality to win every game for the team was never seen in any player(with a few exceptions) . Ander Herrera is somewhat that kind of a player, but his small frame encourages opponents to have a pop at him. They need a player who has a well built frame and has a wiry stature, much like Arturo Vidal.
Vidal has got everything United need at the moment , he can instill that ‘Never Say Die’ spirit with the help of his clattering tackles and his determination to win the ball at any cost. He can conduct the play equally well and is adept in shooting from range and Chile’s stern defense and attacking flair serves as a perfect testimony to this.
Now, many would argue that van Gaal needs defensive targets at his disposal, apart from a tackling midfielder. But the answer lies in the International Guinness Cup and in United’s game against West Ham. Tyler Blackett proved out to be a more than vital cog in the wheel for them. He looked very resolute defensively and possessed an exceptional game reading ability. He’s good in the air and when Michael Keane was torn apart by Gareth Bale against Real Madrid, Blackett stood firm when Ronaldo came on and attempted to subjugate him.
He was never caught napping at the back, quite contrary to Chris Smalling and Phil Jones who struggled in every game they played in the States. If not Blackett, United have another player who can fit in at the back. Against West Ham at Boleyn last season, David Moyes went by an uncanny approach. Fellaini played behind Rooney, who was deployed as a striker while Michael Carrick featured in the back four. United won 2-0 and Carrick looked solid and unwavering. Agreed that he’s not a Centre back by trade but it’s evident that he’s entering the last few years of his career.
The ongoing injury of his is a reason as to why playing in the midfield can take a toll on his body. He sat out injured quite a few times last campaign and this can well continue if he functions in the middle of the field. In the Premier League, midfield battles determine the outcome of a game and for that, a club must have solid and purposive midfielders. These exhaustive tackles can knock the stuffing out of a 33 year old midfielders who usually holds his position near the halfway line.
A change in role would do good for him , his career and to the club. He’s a more stabilized player than Chris Smalling,who is often accused of committing school boy errors at the back. Moreover, he can be that player who can act as a leader at the back. He can play a decisive in helping Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Tyler Blackett and Michael Keane develop and will be someone to look upto for them.