Alessandro Del Piero and Emilio Izaguirre – Through the Old Trafford doors

Ahead of the undoubtedly manic and unfortunately frustrating transfer window, we’re putting together a mini-series of articles where a set of seven United fans each look at two players that they would like to see enter the doors at Old Trafford this summer. We’ve asked all the contributors to be ‘realistic’ in the players they pick – something that leaves each and everyone with a hard choice under the Glazer’s regime. Each day this week, there will be a new article, from a different contributor, looking into two different potential signings. Check all the articles written so far here, and read Sam’s thoughts on Alessandro Del Piero and Emilio Izaguirre:

For some strange strange reason, one of the greatest European footballers of all time in Alessandro Del Piero has become a free-agent. After 19 years at Juventus, Alessandro Del Piero, who I believe to be a class act, has decided to leave them on a free transfer. With many clubs drooling at the prospect of him wearing their clubs colours, I really hope we get involved and at least make an offer for him. Now I’m sure some of you are thinking; how would he fit in at United? Why would we sign a 37 year old veteran who is past his day? Well, one reason why I think he could be brought in is because of our very own Federico Macheda. ‘Kiko’ had a fantastic start at United, however his performances have dropped and his two loan spells have failed for reasons beyond his control. It’s a long shot but maybe having Del Piero, who like Macheda is Italian, might be another chance to spark up Macheda. Equally, after getting rid of previous “oldie” and 4th choice striker Michael Owen there’s a hole for Del Piero in our team.

Another reason he’d be such an asset is simply his experience. Having a player like Del Piero at the club would send shivers down the spines of some of the youngsters, playing alongside someone who was already an established footballing legend when they were growing up. Del Piero has a fantastic record and there’s no doubting he can still do the job. Asides from playing football there’s a possibility of a coaching role that I’m sure Sir Alex will be equally interested in. At his peak, Piero was quite simply brilliant, scoring around 15 goals per season in the league which is fantastic considering he mainly plays just infront of the midfield and the Italian league has remained reasonably strong in comparison to other top European leagues. I realise that he does play in a similar role to Rooney, and following the acquisition of Shinji Kagawa it could be seen as pointless buy, but again, I think his experience would be invaluable to the team. The team at times last season looked too inexperienced at times, especially in Champions League games. As he’s used to Champions League football the experience he has certainly would help address that problem. As a free agent he presents no real risk – so why not give it a go?

The second player I’d love to see join United this summer is Emilio Izaguirre. It has reached the time where we simply need a new left-back. Although many disagree with me, I still feel that Patrice Evra is capable of holding his position and doing a job, but it wouldn’t be foolish of us to start looking at somebody to replace him in the coming years and act as immediate cover (with Fabio going on loan). Emilio Izaguirre, or ‘Izzy’ as he is affectionately referred to by the Celtic fans, could be than man. Admittedly I have a soft spot for Celtic, and I will usually find myself watching most of their games, but I really do believe he’s a suitable target for us. One of the major things that I like about him is his unique and stylish type of play. He is extremely fast and is often seen making overlapping runs with the player in front (similarly to Rafael and Valencia last season), and has been the centre-piece for some of Celtic’s best goals.

His crossing is also fantastic, and his pace means that he can track back quickly which I feel is one of Evra’s main weaknesses. For his height, his strength is quite remarkable, and can hold the ball up extremely well. He can win the ball off attacking players fairly comfortably and in overall terms, he’s arguably a cheaper alternative to Baines. People will moan about going for a cheaper alternative but I feel he’s definitely worth the investment. I’m sure a lot of people don’t want him, purely because he ‘plays in the SPL’, but as I’ve been saying for a while, I genuinely think that he is one of the two players in the SPL who could cope with the Premier League and faster football. He’s been linked with a move to Old Trafford a few times and I really would be as happy as anything if we were to sign him.