The star players United can sign to ‘reaffirm our ambition’
Rooney’s statement insinuated that the club lacked ambition as shown through our lack of activity in the transfer market so it is imperative that we refute his claims by going out and signalling our intentions by making some quality signings.
With the likes of Neville, Giggs, Scholes and VDS also due to retire we find ourselves in a precarious position so who can we sign to add some extra spark to our team?
Gareth Bale
Originally a transfer target in 2007 before signing for Spurs, Bale has grown wings in the last year and flourished into a real player. Last season his goals against Arsenal and Chelsea helped Spurs gain the 4th Champions League spot and he has carried on his good form this season with more quality performances and goals.
The fact Harry Redknapp has stated Spurs need to build their team around him following his hat trick last night in the San Siro means if a deal can in fact be struck we will pay way more than we would have in 2007 but for a player being named as the heir to Ryan Giggs’ throne it maybe worth the money.
Alexis Sanchez
The young Chilean starred at the World Cup, announcing himself to those who didn’t already know who he was. Capable of playing in a number of attacking positions, Sanchez was initially cited as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo and whilst Ronaldo is in a world of his own, Sanchez appears to be capable.
Skillful, fast and able to get goals, Sanchez would be a good addition to our team and has made the right noises about joining United if the quotes attributed to him are to be believed but his team Udinese will be well aware of what they have on their hands and will demand top dollar for him.
Javier Pastore
A favourite of mine and a player we have looked at here before, Argentine Javier Pastore is growing as a player all the time and is already shining at this early stage in the season with 4 goals in 7 games. The midfielder who likens himself to Kaka and Riquelme is a creative spark for Palermo in midfield and his rise to prominence this term has softened the blow of losing Cavani to Napoli.
There have been concerns about his slight frame but Paul Scholes has bossed midfields for years despite not being a giant so it may not be as big an issue as some make out.
He himself seems content with his position in Italy and Palermo chairman Mauro Zamparini seems ready to hold onto his star player or draw the biggest fee possible for his young star.
Sergio Aguerro
The diminutive Argentine has been on the world radar for years and this summer was being touted as a potential target not only for us but Chelsea.
Aguerro has shone at Atletico Madrid and although not an out and out goalscorer he has shown a capability to get 20-30 goals a season so with a stronger team he maybe able to do this and more making the huge fee he is likely to require worth it.
Karim Benzema
We already know that Benzema is a player that Sir Alex likes as he has tried to sign him before. Benzema instead chose to go to Real Madrid and has enjoyed a less than spectacular spell there. Hardly playing due to the form of attacking players like Ronaldo, Higuain and Ozil, Real legends like Hugo Sanchez have question his role there claiming he looks ‘confused’ so now could be the right time for him to move on.
Benzema is fast, strong and we know he can score goals. He has technical ability and can move with the ball too. Personally I wouldn’t mind seeing Benzema at United but many people may not be happy signing a player who turned us down previously.
Fernando Torres
A week or so ago I cited this as our ridiculous rumour of the day but now it doesn’t seem so ridiculous and even Roy Hodgeson acknowledges he may be a target for us.
Torres is a quality player, as United fans I don’t need to tell you this, but the whole Liverpool to United stigma remains a massive problem and for me makes the move unlikely.
Steven Defour
Another player we looked at a while ago, the rumours surrounding us as well as others making a move for Defour have picked up. The midfielder who Sir Alex famously sent a get well soon letter to after he found himself out with a long term injury has the quality needed to improve our midfield and although isn’t a huge name on the world stage can undeniably become one with us.
Having won accolades we will face competition for Defour’s signature from Liverpool and supposedly Arsenal but having already made his affection for the player aware if we do move for him I’m pretty sure Defour will remember Sir Alex’s kind words.