Since my last post, it has come to public attention (via the medium of Twitter!) that United have sat down with Independiente to agree a deal for an attacking midfielder called Patricio ‘Patito’ Rodriguez.
A skilful, livewire who can conjure something out of nothing, Rodriguez will be available at around £8.9 million (€10 million). As an investment for the future, it looks like we have pulled another one out the bag but I do not think that this signing will affect the other big signings Sir Alex was talking about with two probably being in my previous post.
As stated in my previous post United appear to have tied up at most 3 signings (excluding Patito) but it means that Manchester United still need to improve in the area where we have been weakest this season, the center of midfield.
Away from home, we won the same amount of games as the relegated Blackpool and the 19th title arguably came because of our exceptional home form. Upon facing a team in the ‘Top 6’ away from Old Trafford we have 2 points from 15 available to show for it, with draws against Tottenham and Man City.
Whilst there were a plethora of reasons as to why we only managed to secure 2 points, I think we can look at the midfield especially being one of the main factors so that is where I will focus.
Luka Modric
Since his introduction into the Premier League for £16.5 million, Luka Modric has steadily grown into one of Spurs most coveted treasures. Considered to slight his adaptation to the English game has been phenomenal. This season he was voted the Fans’ Player of the Year, even though most critics were to busy praising Gareth Bale or Rafael van der Vaart.
His incredible technical ability, comfortability on the ball, playmaking prowess and trickery has United fans calling for representatives to thrash a deal for him. As seen under Ramos, he can do a job alongside a player who will sit and allow him to roam into spaces where he will be difficult to pick up.
Especially since his return from a broken leg late in 2009, the physical side of his game has improved greatly. His quality is very evident on the ball but will we have to change our shape to fit him in?
The 4-4-2 we play at the moment, is easily like a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-3-1 which means that even if we stuck with a 4-4-2, he can still be used as United have a notable fluidity in changing in formation.
A possible stumbling block in any attempt to sign Modric, is the what is called the ‘Levy Tax’. Manchester United have taken Carrick & Berbatov from Tottenham and it is more than evident with every transfer that Daniel Levy doesn’t like to sell to United without getting top dollar so it is a possibility that we will have to pay over the odds to get Modric in the Red shirt of United.
But a promising factor, is that the only other club which seems to be in for him is Chelsea, who are arch-rivals to Tottenham. So if it came down to it who would Levy rather sell to: United – Tottenham’s ‘parent club’ or Chelsea – their city rivals?
Wesley Sneijder
Having shown he was capable previously 2009/2010 was the season that Wesley Sneijder finally came to the fore front in terms of the world’s best players.
Sneijder formed part of the Ajax side that included the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rafael van der Vaart and these young stars looked set to take the world by storm. All have experienced varying degrees of success but Sneijder particularly only began to received his due plaudits last season as he played an integral role in Inter Milan’s treble.
However, since the Special One left for sunny Madrid, his performances haven’t garnered the same amount of praise they once did but according to the papers he is still high on the Sir Alex’s list of transfer targets.
Coming from Ajax’s esteemed academy as expected his technical ability is brilliant. He possess a fearsome shot, his passing range is excellent and is proficient with both feet having recently gone on record to say he doesn’t know which foot is stronger out of his left or right.
No doubt, Sneijder is quality but I don’t see his signing as a replacement for the retired Ginger Prince, Paul Scholes.
Sneijder does possess the ability to play in the deep-lying playmaker role but at risk of cutting out a vital part of his game where he schemes in front of the opposition defence.
Sneijder operates best as an attacking midfielder in the hole as such, a role that Rooney came to life in, in the later part of this season. So how will it impact the team? Will Rooney be pushed back up top and Hernandez dropped to the bench after a stellar first season? I doubt it.
If I was to choose on the basis of what was just discussed, I would choose Luka Modric because he will give us a different dimension to what we have now. Snejider is a great player but he would operate best in a three man midfield which doesn’t look like the way forward for United right now.
This piece is the second of a series taken from new United blog ‘Expertise On United‘
totally agree, Modric is the man to fit the bill for us.
Very good, but what are the chances of Fergie pulling these off, if we don’t sign big this year the fans won’t be happy. We’ve craved a big signing since ronaldo left and we’ve been linked with everyone but it never happeneds, would love it too but I’ll believe it wen there standing in OT holding united shirts.
If we need a another player then Ever Banega seems most likely!
am i the only unitd supporter who wants a defensive midfielder?
Naw would love a de Rossi or cambiasso
Even Me!
We need a defensive midfielder.. Sir Alex must have had a lot in his mind when he got Hargreaves 4 years back.. wish he was fit and applicable..
Heard a lot about Sir Alex’s interest in De Rossi.. wish that deal could happen, but looks like he’s staying in Roma
..manure sniffing again lol sad boys, luka modric worth £50 million to spurs more likely to go to city but hes not leaving north london for couple of seasons yet try £25 million bid for rafa hes yours not as attractive desirable cheap chancers bracket mouthy muppets! ICC casuals dudes posse, outlaws london spooks.
Modric worth £50m that’s ‘lathable’!
As for the rest of you comment, haven’t got a clue mate try speaking coherent English mate.
prick……no clue fella
Lieutenant, Modric aint worth 50mil, more like 26. Can’t see him being interested in Europa league either. Guess Chitty will look to sign him as i think Abu scouts are reading tabloids to find out who Manu are interested in and making a list of targets.
Either modric or Van der Vaart would do, but would like to see a DMF signed also.
Not convinced by either
Modric is a good creative player but he seems to be injured a lot and we’ve had enough of those recently. United play more matches than Spurs so I don’t think he is up to it
Sneider is a great player but his loyalty and attitude stinks. he turned us down to go to Italy. he is like tevex, he will go to City for money (if he moves), stay a couple of years and then be off.
Give Cleverley his chance and then give Morison, Pogba and Tunnicliff their chance. Why have them if they are not given a chance
Simple response to that is are they ready? You dismissed Modric because of the number of games we play but look at who we play these games against; top quality opposition.
It could be damaging to their development and psyche if we throw these youngsters in at the deep end against Europe’s best sides. There is no rush
Instead of me doing about the transfer window again, could I do a piece on the fringe players & who should be moved on or kept on for squad or first team action?
United_Expert
When it comes to Dani Levy. It doesn’t matter who you are, its how much quids u can cough out
Chudi,u are right,the question is wether they are ready or not. If u introduce these young stars harshly,they ll give laughable results like Arsenal is getting. Just get modric,he’s been tried and tested in p. League.
Good article,
Its about time that jewish wallet is opened.The owners have given themselves millions of $ in “personal” loans.When Ronaldo left all that came back in return of E80m was Bebe,Obetan etc.
Comments made here of buy this player or that player, well why not buy both, an attacking mid fielder and a defensive mid fielder? Its obvious how low rate the current mid field is.
Personally I really dont rate Carrick, who was bought as a playmaker? but obviously unable to fill that role,so now stands in front of the defence playing his 3 yard passes sideways. Well no wonder he has the best passing completion!
I also think MU have to look carefully and both left back and right back positions. I dont think Evra has played well this season, well until he got his new contract. The Silva boys are still learning.
So I think a few top players are needed. Isnt it about time?
Disagree totally. Fullbacks are in good shape maybe some cover for right back as i don’t think JOSh is up to it although De Laet is likely to be back in the summer after a good loan spell. Another CB and maybe 3 CMF players would be enough, and with the options coming thru from the Academy we may only need to buy 2.
Okay, so Luca Modric could have the roaming role, but who will sit behind him? Don’t you wish we had someone like Hargreaves? I think that sitting role just above the defence is where United are failing
I don’t know, if Modric or Sneijder comes in, how is the United midfield going to look? Giggs as we know is not getting younger, so he won’t start every game. Will it be Fletcher alongside? I think Fletcher is the best we have right now
I have one question though… Where does that leave Anderson? When will he deliver? what is his area of expertise anyway?