“I’d like to get one player in during the transfer window,†said Sir Alex Ferguson last week, although the Manchester United manager conceded that navigating the winter transfer market is notoriously difficult due to player availability. Caveats notwithstanding, Sir Alex hasn’t shown this great an interest signings since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
It is likely that the player coming in, if indeed it happens, is a playmaker. The Scot’s recent tactical experiments have a unifying theme of compensating for the lack of decent attacking central midfielders in United’s squad.
As the recent FA Cup tie against Liverpool suggests, United struggles to string together passes amidst intense opposition pressure. With Wayne Rooney and Anderson ideally suited for roles other than the central playmaker and Paul Scholes struggling to cope with pressing game when fit, a creative midfielder is desperately needed.
Kaká
There has been a lot of tabloid speculation about a possible loan move for the Brazilian midfielder. Kaká, like Mesut Ozil, is very athletic and plays the classic trequartista role with a punch. But in Kaká’s prolonged injury absence, Ozil has firmly established himself as the main playmaker in the Real Madrid side. With young Sergio Canales as an able understudy to the German, Kaká is in a perilous situation at Bernebeu.The move appears unlikely, however. Prone to running the channels, the former Milan player will struggle to play in any 4-4-2 based system. Ferguson has always deployed systems that feature wingers or wide midfielders and shied away from central systems such as 4-4-2 diamond and 4-3-1-2.
With many strikers and wide men in United’s squad, Kaká may find first team opportunities just as hard to come by in Manchester as they now are in Madrid. The Real player has just come off a debilitating injury and the repercussions remain to be seen. It is a move that has more than a hint of Michael Owen about it.
Paulo Henrique ‘Ganso’
The young Brazilian is very much an outside candidate for a transfer to United. The 21-year-old has to date only played in the Brazilian league, where tactics are geared for playmakers to excel. With only one senior cap, a UK work visa is also very much an issue. In addition, the midfielder is just coming off a very serious knee injury – although similar injuries haven’t prevented Ferguson from signing Ruud Van Nisterlooy and Owen Hargreaves in the past.Ganso appears a very talented player, at least compared to the standards of Brazil’s domestic football. Neymar, the striker who almost moved to Chelsea this year, considers Ganso “a left-footed Zidane.â€
However, the transition from South American to Europe is notoriously difficult – United fans need not look further than Anderson – and Ganso represents a huge gamble. The player may be young but it is worth noting that Anderson is only a year older than the Santos midfielder. Furthermore, there is a South American playmaker of the same age in Serie A called…
Javier Pastore
Sir Alex is supposedly very keen on the young playmaker and had a €10 million move turned down in 2009. “I’m very proud that a club like United were interested in me,†said Pastore at the time. “The thing is that at clubs like Manchester United there are a lot of great players, and they are all internationals. I know that if I moved to a club like that, I’d have to wait to get my chance to play.â€Instead, the Argentinean signed for Palermo and has done very well in the Serie A side. Pastore has added goal-scoring to his bow and became a more versatile player tactically. Capable of playing with his back to goal in the mould of classic trequartisti, Pastore is also more than comfortable facing the goal as an attacking midfielder or a little deeper as a central midfielder. The midfielder can play as one of the two central midfielders in 4-4-2 or as a playmaker in 4-2-3-1/4-5-1/4-3-3.
The young playmaker has also added five kilos to his 6’2†frame since his move to Italy, preparing the 21-year-old for the rigours of the Premier League.
However, Palermo want to hold on to the Argentinean as they have a genuine chance at a Champions League spot in Italy. The player’s work visa is also a concern but, unlike Adem Ljajić, Pastore should qualify as an “exceptional talent†considering he made Argentina’s World Cup squad and has six caps. Perhaps the biggest stumbling block is cost but, all things considered, Pastore is the ideal candidate to take over from Scholes.
Shinji Kagawa
Perhaps it is too early to hype up the player who played second flight football in Japan before the current season. But the 21-year-old has made a seamless transition to the big leagues and already scored twelve goals for table topping Dortmund.As with all young playmakers, Kagawa is blessed with quick feet and great control. What distinguishes the Japanese from other ‘prodigies’ is his vision. The Dortmund player instinctively knows the right thing to do in any given situation, rarely loses possession, plays fine through balls and looks use his wingers.
Kagawa’s trademark move is to pick up the ball deep, run at the defense before playing a perfectly weighted dink to the onrushing winger. As his goal count suggests, the Japan international is a genuine goal threat, with good movements about the box, in addition to being able to shoot from distance.
Stereotypically Japanese in his work ethic, the former Cerezo Osaka player doesn’t shirk his defensive duties either. He is slight at 5’8†but Kagawa;s tenacity and mental strength more than makes up for the lack of height.
Dortmund has only recently signed the gifted Japanese player and perhaps the current transfer window is too soon for any approach for the playmaker. On the other hand, with Dortmund leading the table by ten points and already missing Kagawa due to the AFC Asian Cup, the German side might be willing to listen to offers.
United’s winter transfer targets
(224 posts) (29 voices)-
Jay Shon
Moderator
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered
Would love to see any of those players at Old Trafford but seems unlikely any will come, certainly in January. Other possible playmakers include Christian Ericksen http://equaliserfootball.com/2010/04/30/eriksen/ , still very young looks a great talent. Nuri Sahin seems to be an excellent option for replacing Scholes as well http://upper90magazine.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/nuri-sahin-dortmunds-new-star/
Posted 2 years ago # -
Alfonso Bedoya
Moderator
Kaka is NOT leaving Real.
He doesn't want to leave, and Mourinho doesn't want him to leave.
End of.
"Badges, to god-damned hell with badges! We have no badges. In fact, we don't need badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges, you god-damned cabrón and ching' tu madre! Come out from that shit-hole of yours. I have to speak to you."Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered Whats up Alfonso? Not nice is it?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Jay Shon
Moderator Footballing Brain, I defer any judgment on Ericksen for I haven't even seen him once. Nuri Sahin is a great talent although I don't think he is suited to a more advanced role than the one he plays at Dortmund. If he does come in, it would be at the expense of Carrick.
Alfonso Bedoya, Kaka probably won't but I talked about him because I think the reason for him being a poor match for United tactically also applies to why we didn't seriously pursue Ozil during the summer - in addition to the supposed mess of agents that surround the player. Mind you it isn't Mourinho who call the shots at Madrid - it's Perez the president and the noise coming from the Madrid camp is that Kaka is very much available if there is a buyer willing to match a good chunk of the fee that they paid for him
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered As much as I’d love United to sign a central midfield attacking player, I don’t see it happening. I think SAF is more likely to get a box-to-box player (i.e. replace Hargo) and focus the creativity in wide areas perhaps bringing in Alexis Sanchez (although a natural left footer would be preferable) – just my view.
But as I say, I’d love to see United get more creative centrally and buy a linking player. My preference would be Modric (which could only happen if Spurs come 5th) or Mario Götze (who plays with Kagawa), although Ganso looks like the real deal to me too.
If United sign anyone in January though I think it will be a young relatively unknown player in preparation for next season, rather than some of these big names.
Oh, and we spell defense – defence!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered Can’t see us getting any of these players unfortunately. Ninis ticks quite a few boxes though, so could be signed in the summer along with another keeper and defender.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered It might be possible one never knows. we could have A Nani a Nini and a Nuffin.
The last was one is the most likely signing in the Winter!Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered I watch with amusement, clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea and now Man City spending all these millions on players as these clubs look for instant success. What happens when after spending all these millions, these clubs end up winning nothing and the owners decide there is no more money to spend on players. Look how much money Liverpool (Benitez)spent and where are Liverpool now?
Whats great about United is the wonderful youth program and the time and energy spent there bringing the youngsters through. Chelsea and Man City will fall in the end just like Liverpool because they do not focus on their youth programs as is at Man Utd. We develop or players and give them first choice opportunities to progress to the premier team and thats why we are a special and great club. In the future, in order to keep this tradition, once Sir Alex Ferguson retires, we must look to replace him with either an English, Scottish, Irish or Welsh manager. Italians, Spanish, Germans or a Portugese manager will not keep with the tradition and history of the club as they will only bring their style and culture to Old Trafford and putting us in a similar postion as our rival clubs. They will ruin our youth program. Right now there is a lot of quality young English players out there and you may juat see one or two more at Old Trafford in the near future. When you look at the whole picture, SAF is wise in that he is not following his rivals, but keeping faith in his present squad which is at the top and still undefeated. This present team, without spending any further millions on players are making a statement in the division and other teams should learn from us that the key to success is not about spending millions of pounds. Its about harmony and believing in yourself. Working for each other, your team mates, standing firm in those United colors. SAF will do all his spending in the summer as looks to replace the outstanding players that are about to retire.Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered Thank you Herbie a great Red. Youth and the heritage of this club.
What a briliant post!!!! you are not Giles Oakley that posts on ROM are you? Inspirational.Posted 2 years ago # -
Red4ever
Member
Spot on Herbie but with Americans being the owners who knows who they will hire as manager to replace Fergie? I think Solskjaer would have gained enough managerial experience at FC Molde to come back when Fergie retires to carry on the wonderful work of the great man. If not Ole, then Giggs or Steve Bruce
Posted 2 years ago # -
As usual, absolute bollocks from Mr Simms. This time regarding foreign managers not respecting heritage, not encouraging youth development. Msr Wenger might disagree, you see. Rafa implemented a fine youth programme which is starting to show, plus he was totally ensconced in the finest traditions of the club.
This shit you post is ridiculous, it really is.
THINK > PAUSE > THINK AGAIN > POST
In that order.
Posted 2 years ago # -
So if Ole (after serious success with the youth team) and a couple of seasons at Molde, doesn’t have enough experience, then Giggsy or Bruce?
Read that back to yourself ;o)
Then realise what agreeing with Simms is doing to your mind!!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Red4ever said:
Spot on Herbie but with Americans being the owners who knows who they will hire as manager to replace Fergie? I think Solskjaer would have gained enough managerial experience at FC Molde to come back when Fergie retires to carry on the wonderful work of the great man. If not Ole, then Giggs or Steve BruceNo way on this earth will Ole Gunner Solskjaer gain enough experience to manage United at FC Molde, same goes for Ryan Giggs neither has the experience, Steve Bruce possibly as he is doing rather well with Sunderland at the moment but more than likely a known name will be chosen.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered That southampton player is tipped to be a big star. Let’s get him in before he ends up costing 30 million in 5 years time.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered I think there are two different issues here. “The Hernandez Scenario”, if a very promising young player has been identified anywhere in the world, at reasonable price, & there is a danger of another club picking him up -like Bale & Walcott- then SAF will attempt to sign him. Oxlade-Chamberlain could well fall into this category. I get the impression that SAF -with Hargreaves shot at & Scholes more fragile- is also looking for an established player who will make a difference this season. Unless you are in the know, this is a lottery. My ticket says Javi Martinez, wished it read Sergio Busquets.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered You need to maintain the English style of entertaining and attacking football at United. Must utilize the English talent and good English managers. For example, look at the great job Owen Coyle is doing at Bolton.
Iam sure that Fergie would prefer to buy Gareth Bale, Ashley Young, Jordon Henderson and Jack Rodwell. Why waste millions on foreigners when the talent is among your own English players.Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered Very good point regarding Ferguson’s recruitment policy, Ian.
Javi Martinez and Sergio Busquets aren’t players to buy if the goal is to replace Scholes. Martinez is very much a classic box-to-box player and there are already Anderson and Fletcher at the club who can play that role. Fletcher and Anderson are also more experienced and able players than Martinez in my opinion.
Busquets plays as a defensive midfielder and I guess he could directly replace Hargreaves. he’s a fine player in possession so I guess he could step up to the plate creatively, especially without Xavi and Iniesta in front of him, but seems too wishful a thinking. Besides he is too Barcelona too move. He’s also one of Guardiola’s favorites.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Spike
Member
Jay
Watch out for citeh new signing, if he struts his stuff here (if he can cope with the PL), then we all would be calling for Fergie as in why he missed out again.
best citeh signing so far imo. (if he can cope in the PL)BREAKING NEWS: The Pity Train has derailed at the intersection of Suck It Up & Move On, and crashed into We All Have Problems, before coming to a complete stop at Get the Hell Over It.
MUFC: THE RELIGIONPosted 2 years ago # -
Red4ever
Member Ian I cannot believe you mentioned Busquets as a possible signing. His Role as a Barca player in as minimal as it gets. The guy has no pace, no strength, doesn't score, and by no means as good as Fletcher so what's the point? The only thing he does is pass the ball on the ground 5 yards to Xavi, Inesta, or Messi when the come back for it. Surely you've watched Barca play!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Anonymous
Unregistered You keep mentioning these overseas players but I can tell you now that Fergie’s targets are talented English players. Why do you think he is offering Southampton 10 million pounds for 17 year old English player Oxlade Chamberlain? He is in a dog fight with other clubs for this same player.
Posted 2 years ago #
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