AUTHOR: – Doron

Van der Sar, Neville, Hargreaves, and Scholes have all departed; now further money has been taken off the wage bill with the sale of O’Shea and Brown to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.

O’Shea and Brown leave having made a combined 755 appearances in which they’ve scored a total of 20 goals. It leaves United with something of a hole in terms of back-up in either fullback position. With Phil Jones having already signed for the club, there are no issues in the centre of defence for depth and he can cover in front of the back four too. Smalling has shown he’s an able back-up right back as has Evans in the left back area. However it seems a lot will be riding on Fabio and Rafael being able to stay injury free next year.

Brown departs after 14 seasons in the first team and 362 appearances. He scored 5 goals with one coming this year against Crawley Town in the FA Cup. This was a frustrating season for Wes – 15 appearances of which 10 were starts and he only started 4 league games. He didn’t qualify for a league winners medal and reportedly had a couple of bust-ups with Fergie over the past 12 months. He is a product of United’s academy and is something of a fan favourite – his song is often sung home and away. Brown has been frozen out though due to the rise of the Da Silva twins, Evans and Smalling. His best season was arguably in 2007/08 when United were European and league champions; he played a pivotal role at right back and assisted Ronaldo’s goal in the Champions League final.

O’Shea is another home-grown player and having made 32 appearances this season has taken his total tally to 393. It was only the second season in eight that he’s failed to score but he does have 15 goals to his name for United. His most famous goal came in March 2007 – with United down to 10 men he scored a last minute winner in front of The Kop to send fans and players alike delirious. Two years earlier he scored his best goal, a delicate chip late on at Highbury to seal off a 4-2 win over Arsenal. Maybe his most important goal though was in April 2009 in the first leg of a Champions League semi final against Arsenal – his goal at Old Trafford gave United the lead heading into the second leg. O’Shea has always gotten games due to his versatility – he’s able to play across the back four and in midfield too. He’s even played in goal for United away at Spurs. Rather infamously, he’s considered to be a clumsy player not known for his skill but he did once nutmeg Figo!

Wes told Sunderland’s TV station today:

“It’s been alright [making the decision] maybe because I’m older. It was disappointing not to have played as much as I could at Manchester United over the last couple of seasons so just to know that I’ll be back in, playing, I’m focusing on that really and looking forward to it. Last season, I couldn’t get into the team and that was frustrating but that’s football and you move on. Sunderland is a big club and Steve Bruce was a big factor coming into it. That’s what it came down to really. When I was younger, I used to watch Steve and I’ve known him a bit as well so it was fine. I know a couple of lads who have been here and they say it’s a wonderful club and I thought this was the place for me to come.”

On signing him, Steve Bruce said:

“We are delighted to welcome a player of Wes’ ability, experience and character to the club. He has been a fantastic professional for Manchester United through the years and not only will he strengthen our defensive options, he will also bring with him a winning mentality and level of maturity which can only be positive for the players around him.”

Meanwhile Sir Alex Ferguson had only glowing words for the departing Brown:

“Wes has been a great asset to the club during the most successful period in its history. He was a product of the youth system and marked himself out from an early age as one of his generation’s most natural defenders. In his time with us, he certainly became a favourite with the fans for his no-nonsense approach to the game and his infectious personality. It’s always the hardest of decisions to let loyal servants go. But life moves on and, unquestionably, Wes will get the chance to make a real contribution to Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and I’m delighted to be passing him into such good hands. Everyone connected with United wishes him a long and happy stay at Sunderland.”

Having signed after Wes, O’Shea also spoke to SAFC TV:

“Once I’d heard reports about the club and the people here, the ambitions and what the manager was all about it was the only place I was going to come to. I had to wait a few weeks for the birth of my child, that’s why it seems protracted. It wasn’t really, it was fairly straightforward. Leaving United was one of those things, I was there for 13 fantastic years but this is a new exciting challenge and hopefully we can have good times with Sunderland like I had with Manchester United.”

Bruce was delighted to sign O’Shea:

“John has been a solid, consistent part of Manchester United’s squad for well over a decade which goes to show the fantastic pedigree of player we have signed. He is a wonderful professional both on and off the field and his wealth of experience and versatility will be great attributes for us. I’m delighted with the players we’ve been able to secure ahead of the new season.”

Fergie also had a warm parting message for John:

“John has been an outstanding servant to the club, since he broke into the first team almost a decade ago. His versatility, calmness under pressure and his commitment to the cause at United means that fans will remember him with great affection. John has won so many medals – and has deserved every one of them. He epitomises our club’s approach as a team. After so many years of service to United, I’m pleased that John has found a career opportunity which will deliver the number of games he deserves. We wish John every success in his new life. Steve Bruce is a manager that knows how to blend youth and experience and I’m sure he has John earmarked for a senior role in trying to take Sunderland on from their finish last season.”

The experience that these two players will leave behind is irreplaceable, they’ve been wonderful servants and here are some of their best moments:

O’Shea nutmegs Figo:

O’Shea scores a chip at Highbury::

O’Shea as a goalkeeper:

O’Shea last minute winner at Anfield:

O’Shea scores vs. Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final:

Classic O’Shea skill:

A typical O’Shea shot:

Wes Brown scores vs. Liverpool:

Wes Brown compilation:

He’s big, he’s bad, he’s Wesley Brown:

We wish the best of luck to Wes and John.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Manchester United continued their summer transfer spree with the signing of Ashley Young today. However, the club are looking to do business beyond the first team too with various targets identified today in Italian paper, La Gazzetta dello Sport.

At Academy (U18) level, the signing of players both from domestic and foreign teams is becoming more of a common practice. Legal loopholes allow clubs to offer contracts to young players before they’ve signed either professional terms or a pre-contractual agreement. It means that in practice the buying club does not ever have to deal with the parent club of the players – although fees are often privately settled after the player has agreed terms.

United have done this before – Pique, Rossi, Macheda, Petrucci and more recently Pogba and Van Velzen have all joined by this method – all perfectly legal but morally questionable. The nature of the game at Academy level today requires this. Competition is getting more intense beyond the first team and with a new Champions League starting this season at Academy level; interest and pressure will only be raised, forcing teams to take it more seriously.

La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy today confirmed that United are targeting, and close to signing four or five players from Fiorentina’s U16 team. All of them have turned 16 this past season so would feed straight into the clubs Academy as first year scholars.

Two are goalkeepers – Luca Lezzerini who has been capped at U17 level and Pierluigi Gollini who has been capped at U16 level and has attracted interest from both AC Milan and Juventus. Leonardo Capezzi is a midfielder and is considered to be a future star. He has only recently turned 16 and has captained the U16 national side. Capezzi has also played above his age group this year, being capped twice at U17 level. The fourth player is named by his surname – Madrigali; however it is unclear if that refers to either Xavier or Saverio Madrigali who are twins or both of them. Seemingly, both are defenders who can play in midfield and have been capped at U16 level. At present, Fiorentina have an excellent U16 team and will be understandably fuming should all the players leave for Manchester.

These young Italians wouldn’t be alone at United. At present Massacci and Fornasier will be moving into the Reserves to join Petrucci and Macheda. The Reserve and Academy fitness coach, Marcello Iaia is also Italian.

Signings at this level for United specifically are no surprise. Most of the successful FAYC winning U18 team will be moving up to the Reserves whilst those promoted from the U16s are predominantly midfielders. It is intriguing to see two goalkeepers on the list though. Sam Johnstone will move up to the Reserves but Joe Coll and Liam Jacob will be only second year scholars in the Academy and Jonny Sutherland is likely to be promoted from the U16s.

It has been suggested that United may send some youth players to Fiorentina on loan as part of the deal. Neither club has confirmed or denied the report so far but the deals seem likely with potentially more to follow this summer.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

United’s second foray into the transfer market this summer has seen versatile midfielder/winger/forward, Ashley Young join from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £15m.

Young, turns 26 this summer has been linked with a move to United for the past few months. Liverpool are said to have been interested too but it seems Young wanted to play Champions League football as he moves towards the peak years of his career.

It’s three and a half years since Young made his England debut and he’s gone on to play 15 times for his country, scoring two goals. Most recently he came on at half time to change England’s fortune against Switzerland. Despite being predominantly right footed, Young is able to play on either wing and has built a reputation as a great crosser and set piece taker. His versatility will no doubt be an attraction too – he’s able to play as a central midfielder and as a second striker as well. He would provide good competition for the current set of wingers, maybe not a priority, but something that is probably needed.

Young was born in Stevenage and was at Watford as a youth player. Aged 18 he was given his debut in their first team and impressed early on, scoring three goals in his first six league games. The 2005/06 was his big breakthrough year as he scored 15 in 43 for Watford as well as laying on 13 assists. In the January of 2007 he moved to Aston Villa for a total fee of just under £10m. He’s continued to impress in a series of different roles at Villa, he’s scored 37 goals in 188 games and assisted a further 57 goals. So far in his short career he averages a contribution (goal or assist) every 2.25 games – an incredibly impressive return. Here’s hoping he can step up to the next level.

Young has signed a 5 year deal and told MUTV:

“To get the opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn’t turn down. I’ll get to play with such great players who play for the club and hopefully become part of the club’s history in winning the 20th title. It’s a prospect I’ve always looked at as a child, to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I’ve got that opportunity now so I’ve just got to take it with two hands.”

The full interview will be shown at 6.30pm BST on MUTV.

We’ve had our own say on why this deal may make sense for United, you can read that by clicking here.

You can discuss the Ashley Young signing in our forum.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

United’s first foray into the transfer market this summer has seen Phil Jones join from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee (for now), meeting a release clause that was in his contract.

Jones, who turned 19 back in February has been linked with a move to United for 18 months and was according to the press odds on for a move to Liverpool last Tuesday morning. However United have moved fast to seal a deal for the youngster – possibly forced by other clubs (Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal) showing an interest. United have met the player’s release clause in his contract, however Blackburn wanted more money which result in a legal dispute between the two clubs causing a delay in the move. Blackburn have said this deal has the potential to be their record sale (which is currently £17.5m for the sale of Santa Cruz) therefore indicating that United are paying a fee up front with various add on clauses included. However, on Saturday evening, journalist Paul Smith, confirmed he’d had a text from Jones’ agent saying the deal had now been completed and today the club have finally announced the signing with Jones inking a five year contract.

Jones is at present with the England U21 squad and plays as their first choice centre back alongside Smalling. He is perfectly adept at playing as defensive midfielder in front of the back four too. This therefore seems to signal a nice replacement for a combination of Gary Neville, Hargreaves and possibly Wes Brown if he leaves as is speculated too. With Smalling able to cover at right back, Evans able to cover at left back, and Jones able to play ahead of the defence; United appear to be covering all angles left by players who’ve moved on.

He was born in Preston and was said to not be keen on having to move away as he wanted to be near his family and girlfriend. Despite being young, he’s already made 39 first team appearances for Blackburn with 34 coming in the league. He stood against United in the recent 1-1 draw at Ewood Park – we singled him out for praise post-match.

The club have said the player will be presented and the deal completed when he returns from the U21 tournament.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Ashley Young has been linked to Man United for over six months now. Indeed, even in previous seasons, the young English winger has been the subject of transfer speculation columns. Rumours of a January bid have never been confirmed or denied but recent murmurs suggest a deal is imminent. Today, word from the Man United doctors via Mr Mujac was that Young had undergone a medical last Friday. With that and speculation in mind, here are a few reasons why signing Young may make sense…

1. Need for another winger in the squad?

It may not be the most obvious area to strengthen but is arguably necessary. The club currently have Nani, Valencia, Park, Giggs, Obertan and Bebe as ‘first team’ wide players. However the latter two have yet to to feature regularly at the top level and Obertan may well move on this summer. Giggs is more often used centrally rather than out wide today whilst Park is similarly often used in a tactical role rather than a purely wide role. Tom Cleverley is returning from his loan spell at Wigan and whilst he’s able to play wide, he is naturally a central player.

As witnessed this year, a couple of injuries have really stretched United’s resources in the wide areas. Valencia’s long spell out came at the same time as a couple of small Giggs injuries and Park’s long January international call-up. Situations like that are rare but injuries are unpredictable. It meant Nani was left alone to shoulder the burden of responsibility from September until the start of February. An additional winger would therefore give us complete cover in this part of the pitch.

2. Cost

Despite potentially having a sizeable transfer kitty, these are times where signings are often linked to ‘value’. Young is out of contract in a year so despite being English and therefore a victim of the inflated transfer fee, he would probably arrive at a very acceptable price, something between £10-15m. Additionally his wages would be in line with average wages at the club – a pay rise from Aston Villa wouldn’t need United to make him a top earner.

3. Experience and langauge

Young turns 26 this summer and may have only played 11 games in Europe, none of which in the Champions League, but he has 177 Premier League games to his name and understands the league well. He does of course speak English too, coupling that with the fact he knows the league, it should mean that any ‘settling-in’ period is reduced. Compare this with say a Neymar or Alexis Sanchez – both of whom would cost significantly more anyway – neither know the league or speak the language. Remember, it took Nani a good two and a half years to really find some consistent form. Even as a squad player, any signing who settles somewhat instantaneously is a bonus.

4. He scores and he assists

Young’s been incredibly consistent in the past four seasons. He’s scored 9 goals in each of them (yes some were penalties) but he has amassed 60 assists over that time. United’s wide areas have been fruitful in terms of both goals and assists since Ronaldo’s departure and Young would seemingly fit the bill in that respect.

5. Set piece taking and other strengths

If there’s been one area that has frustrated United fans regularly throughout the season, it’s been set piece taking – mainly from free kicks indirect and direct, and corners. Given United have players who can score from set pieces, Vidic being the obvious example, it’s disappointing that corners in particular rarely beat the front man. Ashley Young though is an excellent set piece taker. He’s shown his worth in that respect even against United, providing some undefendable balls in. Clearly it would be advantageous for United to have someone in their ranks who can take good set pieces, both indirect and direct.

The blueprint for a ‘United winger’ would generally have someone who is fast, a good dribbler, a player who wants the ball, and a good crosser. In truth, Young, fits those specifications. He may not excel in every category and there may be better players than him but he’s reliable and capable at all of those various facets. His crossing is something that would be interesting – United’s strikers tend to feed off good balls in, certainly Rooney’s best season directly coincided with Valencia’s good crossing. Chicharito too, has shown this year he likes to get on the end of crosses. Despite being right footed, Young is comfortable on the left hand side, two good crossers on either side would be handy.

6. Chasing a win, and away from home he’d be a good choice

What United don’t have right now is a third attacking winger. Young is probably under-appreciated in terms of the defensive work he does but he is an attacking player. When needing a win or wanting to switch to be more positive away from home, Young would represent a good option off the bench. Valencia and Nani are the two key attacking wingers we have right now but if both start and one needs replacing then Young would probably be a better option to bring on than Park if a win is needed.

7. Ability to play at a better level?

Young’s attitude is questionable, he has a cocky arrogance about him and has played recently like he wants to leave Aston Villa. However, plenty of United players have that arrogance and indeed some is needed. Young has carried Villa along with a couple of other players and a step-up may be the challenge he needs. Plenty of players before him have proven that when playing with better footballers their game naturally improves – i.e. Yorke, Valencia, Smalling etc.

Conclusion

Young may not be the player every fan would want but arguably the wide positions are an area that could do with some added competition. Clearly many fans believe that the central area needs improving more than out wide and should a central player not be signed then it would make this potential signing a strange one. There is the belief United need to improve the starting XI rather than the squad, but I do believe that we are a natural winger short out wide. However, financially it makes sense and Young fits the bill in terms of what is required of a winger at United. Certainly, a player who can take set pieces and contribute to the side would be a good acquisition.

Should this deal go through at an acceptable fee then this will make sense for United in both the short-term and the long-term. Underwhelming? Maybe, but there’s some logic to this.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Manchester United are all but able to confirm that David De Gea is the man they’ve chosen to replace Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford.

With Edwin retiring, who should replace him has been an ongoing debate for some time now amongst United fans and the press. It seems almost certain that David De Gea is the one they’ve gone for though. United’s interest in the 20 year old has long been known of and a couple of months ago United made their first foray into the transfer market with a bid for him.

In the time since rumours of a bid, there have been concerns over whether his heart was in a potential move to United given how long it had taken him to agree personal terms however it seems he’s now accepted a move and is set to move to Manchester with his girlfriend and parents. United’s goalkeeping coach, Eric Steele, has been taking Spanish lessons for some time now in order to help David settle in with his move. Interestingly, Edwin van der Sar is said to have recommended Ajax’s Maarten Stekelenburg – who will now be Atletico Madrid’s top target to replace De Gea.

Considering his age, he’s already played 83 first team games for Atletico, been capped at every youth level for Spain and has made their senior squad too. He’s credited with being a good footballer, comfortable in possession whilst he’s confident, calm and widely considered to be in the mould of Edwin.

After Gary Neville’s testimonial tonight, Sir Alex told Sky Sports:

“We’ve been working on it for quite a while. We identified him quite a while back as one we should go for. He’s a young goalkeeper, very quick, good composure, presence and an oustanding replacement for van der Sar. We were looking for same type of qualities as Edwin, composure and organisational ability. De Gea is very similar that way.”

I believe United have got the best young goalkeeper in world football – he’s certainly always been my first choice. Do you think De Gea is the right man? What do you think his strengths are and do you have any concerns?

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

It’s a rather odd stage of the season to be signing a player on loan but United have done just that and snapped up a young Brazilian player from Desportivo Brasil on a contract until 30th June.

The player is 17 year old midfielder Rafael Leao. He turns 18 next week, making this loan move possible. He represents the first signs of any United benefits from the partnership that the club has with Desportivo – a partnership that was announced a couple of years ago.

Desportivo themselves are a new club, less that six years old. Traffic Group – a sports management company set up the club with the aim of having a successful youth academy but also attempting to push high up into the Brazilian leagues. United’s partnership with them allows for first-option on hopefully some of the top young talents in Brazil. The agreement would see United pay a set fee for a player based on position not ability and Desportivo hold on to a 50% sell on clause.

Last month, as United beat Bolton, five players from Desportivo were pictured in the directors box – Gladstony, Aguilar, Lucas Evangelista, Agnaldo, and Rafael Leao. They went on to FC Twente in Holland who have also got a partnership with Desportivo to help the young players gain work permits.

Leao is described on Desportivo’s website as simply a defensive midfielder. United fans shouldn’t get too carried away by this loan move – he won’t have a first team squad number and will be playing with the U18s and maybe the Reserves. He is though the first in potentially a long line of Brazilian starlets to come across to United on a contractual deal as opposed to a trial. There are similarities in the dealings with how the Da Silva twins (pictured above) were signed.

What do you think of United’s partnership with Desportivo? Is it morally wrong to be hijacking players so young? Does it raise any concerns about the focus not being on homegrown youth?

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Despite the wishes of many Man United fans, Edwin van der Sar is retiring this summer and the club are looking to replace him. There have been many rumours about who this could be but the biggest indication of who Edwin’s replacement might be is in The Times today…

James Ducker has written in The Times that Manchester United have had a bid of £17.5m turned down by Atletico Madrid for goalkeeper, David de Gea. Despite being only 20, de Gea has played 74 times for Atletico’s first team and has been in the full Spanish squad. United have been linked with him for some time now and recently the Spanish media have reported that a deal is close.

Without any extra pressure heaped on the new goalkeeper’s arrival, de Gea has long been compared to current United keeper, van der Sar. De Gea, who is 6ft 3in is still growing and Ducker reveals that Fergie believes he has the qualities to be a top keeper for United. According to Ducker, Eric Steele (United’s goalkeeping coach) is taking Spanish lessons to help de Gea settle in.

In truth, de Gea has had a mixed season for Atletico but he has had a poor defence in front of him and as Graham Hunter recently wrote, he has saved them many times this season. If de Gea is a new name to you or you don’t know much about him, I highly recommend Hunter’s article which you can read here.

Personally, de Gea is the goalkeeper I’d like to see us sign. Despite his age, I’ve regularly been impressed with him and he stood out even aged 16. Failing de Gea, my next choice would be Manuel Neuer. Who would you like to see take over from Edwin and why?

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Are Manchester United lacking a midfield spark? – It was a question posed by a BBC tactical blog after the defeat against Wolves last month. The idea of a spark, or creative midfielder in the United side has been something that’s bugged me for a while. I’ve never been convinced it’s what we need and with that in mind I plan to make a potentially surprising transfer suggestion.

For me there are two reasons as to why United’s central midfield area has been talked about with grave concern this year. The first, put simply is a lack of goals scored from this part of the team – only 7 in total. In reality, this isn’t something that’s suddenly just happened. That is a lower total than past years but since the 2004/05 season and the days where the Paul Scholes my lord he scores goals chant was regularly sung, no central midfielder has come close to double figures with Fletcher and Carrick both averaging a goal every 13 games in their Manchester United career (NB Gibson so far averages a goal every 6 games – the closest of the current CMs to Scholes’ a goal every 4.5 games).

The second reason, I believe, lies in our competitors. Arsenal have Nasri, Wilshere and Fabregas; Chelsea have Lampard; Man City have Silva; Liverpool have Meireles and Spurs have Modric and Van der Vaart. United have, erm, Carrick? I don’t have a problem with that. However, the media have United constantly linked to attacking midfielders, creative players who also score goals. The perception therefore is that due to the links and the fact our opponents have a certain type of player, United must also have this kind of player.

It doesn’t bother me though. United don’t have to conform to a certain trend in football. All of those teams have a common theme – they don’t play a 4-4-2. By contrast, United’s preferred formation is and has almost always been a 4-4-2 or a variant of that formation. I should add – formations written down by a series of numbers are somewhat overrated; in reality on a pitch they’re so fluid and versatile that they never quite turn out to be exactly as the numbers represent. That said, it’s safe to say that United like to play with four midfielders and two strikers.

Unlike many fans, I don’t think that an attacking midfielder needs to be signed. United have always relied on flair and goals from their wingers – it’s a proven formula at our club. What I do think needs to happen, is the release of some of our more creative players. Namely, Michael Carrick.

Oddly, despite wishing to see Carrick removed from his deeper role at present, I’ve praised it before. I think Carrick has done a very solid job for United this year – he isn’t a player who should be put in a defensive role with the duty of winning the ball and shifting it on accurately to the next player. The ‘old’ Carrick of 4 years ago played higher up the pitch as a player who would create chances, get within shooting distance (and shoot), and be a reliable retainer of possession.

The change in his role is strikingly obvious. Showing his passing from a game against Watford four seasons ago and comparing it with him against Aston Villa this year just shows how much higher he used to play for most of the game:

Carrick passing vs. Watford in 2006/07

Carrick passing vs. Aston Villa in 2010/11

It’s very clear to see the cluster of passes made in the final 40 yards of the opposition half in 2006/07 – whereas against Villa this season there is no such pattern or regularity of passing that high up the pitch.

Few would argue against the fact that Carrick can be a very good creative midfielder. The only other player in the squad who could do this defensive role is Owen Hargreaves; and with him injured and the club not spending any money on a Hargreaves-esqe player the responsibility has been handed to Carrick. Despite doing a decent enough job, Carrick is better with more freedom – with the license to roam and pick out the cutting passes.

I’m not aware of an occasion this blog has pinpointed a specific player to sign – rather it has always backed our current squad, and will continue to do so. I though, am going to break from tradition and suggest who I would like the club to sign. My suggestion is a replacement for Carrick in the defensive role; someone who can tackle and pass; someone who would free-up Carrick to play higher up the pitch as well as potentially helping other players such as Anderson to settle into a higher position (he too has been asked to play deep far too often).

For me, any signing who has to come in and play in the first team immediately really needs to have Premier League experience. There are lots of examples of central midfielders (and players in other positions) joining from abroad and taking time to settle and learn the game. My other concern with any central midfield signing is age. I would be disappointed if United spent big money on a central midfielder aged 21-15 as I would much rather see a product of our Academy given an opportunity first. I don’t want any signing hindering or stunting their progress. In Cleverley, Pogba, Morrison, Tunnicliffe and to a lesser extent, Matty James, United have some very talented young central midfielders. Arguably none of them are ready to be a fixture in the starting XI however they all have a big 18-24 months coming up where hopefully they’ll start to push towards the first team.

With that in mind, my suggested signing is now at the peak of his career. I’m suggesting him with only a couple of years at the club in mind – a bit like the signing of Laurent Blanc (however my suggestion is younger). The player would be perfect to do a disciplined defensive role and wouldn’t hinder the progress of our younger players – in actual fact they could probably learn from him. For me, he’s one of the few true box-to-box midfielders in the league today and is often credited with being a very strong leader.

My suggestion is Scott Parker.

I’ve been impressed with Parker for some time and have long believed he moved to Chelsea too early in his career. His flop at Chelsea has lead many to believe he can’t hack it at a big club although considering he was only there for one season, that seems like an unfair judgement. When Keane was finishing his career, Parker was one of the names being mentioned as his replacement but nothing materialised. Unlike other names being mooted, I don’t think he’d cost a lot of money. He did sign a new five year deal this season but West Ham could still get relegated and a sale would seem likely anyway. Even if West Ham survive, they may be tempted to part company with Parker for a not-so extraordinary fee. Certainly if United came calling, Parker would be unlikely to want West Ham to reject a bid.

I don’t believe that a United signing has to necessarily be a big-name. I’ve written recently about just how tough it is to find the right central midfielder to sign – I used the jigsaw analogy whereby pointed out that the players have to fit next to the ones around them. Simply picking a name out at random doesn’t necessarily work and doesn’t mean that because big famous-named player “x” was fantastic at club “y” that he’ll be equally as good, if not better at United.

Aside from his age, value and the fact I think he’d free up Carrick & Co, Parker’s a very complete midfielder. His goals to games ratio isn’t great but that’s not what his game is about. He’s a very good passer and rarely gives the ball away. To show this, I’ve picked his passing from two losing games this season, away at Arsenal and United this season – games where you’d expect his passing to be poorer than average.

Parker passing vs. Arsenal

Parker passing vs. Man United

His passing success rate of 89% vs. Arsenal and 93% vs. Man United is mightily impressive. These two games show him playing in a restrictive defensive role much like Carrick has been playing this season. Parker, is however as I mentioned able to be versatile and go box-to-box too.

Parker passing vs. Tottenham

Parker passing vs. Wigan

These further two examples from this season show a player comfortable playing all over the pitch and someone who looks for a positive forward pass. The other side to Parker’s game is his grit and desire to win the ball back. He reads the game well and is an excellent tackler.

Parker tackling vs. Wigan

Parker tackling vs. Tottenham

It doesn’t matter who the opposition are, Parker in an almost old-fashioned but controlled style is always looking to engage in physical contact in order to win the ball back. I believe he represents everything we’ve been missing in Owen Hargreaves and would as I’ve said a few times help some of our other players to rediscover their creative touch.

Every signing is a gamble. However, I don’t think United are in a position to take huge risks at the moment. Changes will happen when Messrs Scholes and Giggs do eventually bring their phenomenal careers to a close. The changes however don’t necessarily all have to come from outside the club. United are a team with a proud history of youth football and therefore in my opinion it only needs a small short-term change or addition to prepare for the arrival of some of the new young stars at the club. Scott Parker, would, for me be that perfect player to help the side rediscover some creativity whilst slotting right into our jigsaw and completing the puzzle for now.

Please do share your thoughts, suggest alternative signings, agree with me or tell me I’m bonkers in the comments section below!

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR – Stretford-end

Liverpool’s influential goalkeeper Pepe Reina has again been linked today with a move away from Anfield to Old Trafford, after he failed to rule out a move to the league leaders. The Spanish goalkeeper has been a key figure for his club since his 2005 move from Villarreal, but with Liverpool lingering behind teams chasing champions league football next season – he may opt for a move away in the summer.

Manchester United of course are on the lookout for a new number one after the news that Edwin Van der Sar will retire at the end of the season. Many names have been touted around as possible replacements, including David De Gea, Manuel Neuer and Igor Akinfeev.

Pepe Reina spoke to a Spanish radio show and was quoted as saying:

“Yes, well Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer so of course they are looking. I can’t do anything. I can’t say anything logically as I have a contract with Liverpool. Of course one likes to fight for titles and be in a team that does that. We always fought to be in the Champions League and try to win the title. But unfortunately it hasn’t been the case in the last couple of years. I won’t lie, I want to play in the Champions League and challenge for titles,”

Although I rate Reina as a top quality goalkeeper, I can’t see this move happening whatsoever. A couple of years ago Heinze openly wanted to move to Anfield, however Ferguson decided to sell the wound up Argentinian to Real Madrid, a side he “would not sell a virus to” apparently. I’m not stating that Heinze is anywhere near the importance that Reina is to Liverpool – I just can’t see the move materialising.

My money would be on David De Gea, however he is still quite young compared to the other candidates. Van der Sar moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2005 – and has been one of Fergie’s best signings, so I don’t know if it really matters as to the age of the goalkeeper. Phil Chisnall remains the last player to be transferred directly between the two clubs – back in 1964. Someone asked me on Twitter recently about Ramon Calliste, who was transferred to Liverpool on a free in 2005 – however, he didn’t make a first team appearance for United.

What do you think? Can you see Reina moving to Old Trafford if Liverpool don’t get Champions League football? If so, how much would you pay for the Spaniard?