Manchester United must find a proper role for Nick Powell

Powell has been phenomenal on loan at Wigan Athletic

Finding a proper position for Nick Powell going forward is very important for Manchester United. Powell recently added another goal to his remarkable tally for Wigan Athletic and now has 12 goals to his name for the Latics which makes him their top scorer and United’s most prolific loan star. Powell, who was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last signings as Manchester United manager, is a remarkable talent and was always destined for great things so it was no surprise when United made their move for the Crewe Alexandria attacker back in 2012.

The 20-year-old will surely get a chance in the Red Devils’ first team next season after his heroics at Wigan but David Moyes needs to find the right position for the talented youngster.

Powell was Crewe Alexander’s stand-out player in the 2011-2012 season netting 16 goals in 45 appearances including a brilliant volley against Cheltenham Town in the 2012 League Two Play Off final at Wembley which helped Crewe progress to League One. Sir Alex Ferguson was made aware of the youngster’s exploits and decided to watch him play in one of Crewe’s games.

The Scot was so impressed with the youngster’s performance that he decided to make him a Manchester United player as soon as possible. The deal was completed on 2^nd July 2012 when United paid £4 million for Powell which could rise to £6 million depending on appearances.

Powell scored a stunning 25-yard on his debut against Wigan Athletic, thus raising hopes that he might be able to make the cut at United. He was also included in the starting line-up for the match against Galatasaray in the Champions League where he put in a lively performance. David Moyes has been impressed with Powell’s exploits in the Championship and should include him in the starting line up next season but the main question is where to play him?

Powell, who became the first Wigan player to score a goal on the European stage, is capable of operating in a number of positions including forward, attacking midfielder and central midfielder but has mostly been used as a forward during his time at Crewe and Wigan Athletic which is why he is so prolific in front of goal. Sir Alex Ferguson used him as a central midfielder on his debut and in the Champions League game against Galatasaray.

The England Under-21 international has managed to score 3 goals in 6 appearances as a centre attacking midfielder along with assisting one goal as a left attacking midfielder. Powell is a fantastic finisher and loves to dribble, averaging 1.2 dribbles per game. The 20-year-old is good at keeping possession which can be an asset for United’s midfield. Powell also likes to contribute to his team’s defence and has averaged 1.9 tackles per game.

The youngster will have to battle for a place in the midfield just like Juan Mata, Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley, who are all battling for a place in the midfield. Moyes must give his young star a fair chance in the team or risk losing him to a rival club much like former Manchester United player Paul Pogba. Swansea, who previously managed to snap up Liverpool target Jonjo Shelvey, are rumoured to be interested in Powell so United will have to watch out.

If Powell keeps his head on his shoulders and continues his impressive displays in a midfield role at Manchester United then he could join the likes of Bryan Robson, Lou Macari, Denis Law and Paul Scholes as one of the many great midfielders to put on the famous red shirt.