Why Alex Song can revitalise Robin van Persie and solve Manchester United midfield woes

Alex Song

The Mirror have reported recently that Barcelona midfielder Alex Song could be on the move back to England after failing to make an impression under new manager Tata Martino. Song has often been utilised at centre-back since his move to Spain because of the wealth of midfield options that Barcelona have but he has never really convinced in that position.

Because of that, and because of Barcelona’s numerous talented midfielders it looks as if Song could be moved on in January with former side Arsenal and Manchester United both said to be interested. Given Arsenal’s own wealth of options in that position it seems unlikely that Song could return to North London but a move to Old Trafford is very feasible.

How Song has fared in his Barcelona appearances recently

United’s problems in central midfield have been extremely well documented and not just since David Moyes took over. Song’s combative is arguably not exactly what United need given they have the likes of Tom Cleverley, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick but in reality none of them are world class defensive midfielders. Carrick is more of a deep-playing playmaker, Fellaini’s role in United’s midfield is still unclear and Cleverley just looks out of his depth.

Song is a proven player at the highest level and he would offer a great platform for United, just sitting in front of the back four. His presence would allow more creative players to push forward although there’s a strong argument that United need a genuinely creative midfielder in the middle of the park.

The Cameroon international has only featured in seven Liga games this year and that is more than all of United’s midfielders bar Carrick. He has a passing accuracy of 91% and he has won 89% of his tackles and that’s better than the aforementioned trio at Old Trafford.

Given that the price quoted in the story is around £10 million this sort of signing makes perfect sense for United. He’s an experienced player but also still relatively young and he is someone who would really benefit from some regular first-team football. If Moyes signs him and even plays him alongside Carrick at least he’ll have some stability in the middle of the park. Let’s not forget, Barcelona stole him away from Arsenal for a reason.