'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After analysing the problems in the midfield, which was the major cause for the Premier league trophy to move to the blue side of Manchester, Sir Alex Ferguson did some very good buy during the summer transfer window. In came talented Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borrusia Dortmund and the leagues top scorer Robin Van Persie from Arsenal to provide the assistance to Wayne Rooney up front. 18 year old midfielder Nick Powell arrived from the well known Crewe youth setup, along with Chilean attacker Angelo Henriquez and Alex Buttner as a cover for Patrice Evra. With more and more reinforcement in the midfield, it is likely that some of the familiar faces at OT may have to find new territory to ply their trade.
1. Anderson
Signed from Porto in the year 2007, Anderson came in as one of the biggest talents in Europe. He was rising in stature at Manchester United and injury crisis started for the young Brazilian. Known for his attacking runs and quick touches, Anderson soon lost his place in the midfield to the likes of Carrick and Fletcher who were more consistent in terms of being able to play without injuries. Although he is quick and agile given his build, Ando has failed to impress in the 5 years that he has been at Manchester United. The transfer looks all the more likely when he said he would be ready to rejoin Porto if given a chance.
2. Bebe
Bebe was signed by United for 7.4mil in 2010 from Vitória de Guimarães just five weeks after he signed for the Portuguese outfit. Sir Alex made the signing without even scouting the player after the recommendation from his former deputy Carlos Quiroz. Bebe was then made to play on the right wing on just two occasions. He was then loaned out to Turkish club Besiktas. After being out for majority of the season, Bebe returned to action after almost 6 months. He was then banished from the Besiktas squad after breaking a team curfew and staying out until the early hours of the morning. Known for his runs in the wing and powerful shots, Bebe has failed to capitalise on it and break into the first team. Although he impressed in the pre season games, he has been rarely used in the main squad and is now featuring for the U-19s. A loan move looks imminent for him, as that is the only way in which he can try to cement his place in the United squad.
3. Nani
The winger was signed along with Anderson for €25 million from Sporting Club Portugal. After having impressed with his talent, speed and ability to cut through the defence along with his shooting skills, Nani seems to have lost out on his form since the latter part of the previous season. He has failed to evolve and work on his weaknesses over the years. With a string of impressive performances by Antonio Valencia, Nani is in danger of losing out his place in the first team.
The start of this season saw Manchester United reluctant to extend his contract and meeting his wage demands. Also, his alleged punch on reserve player David Petrucci has made his stay at OT all the more doubtful. In his most recent start against Liverpool, Nani failed to impress and was taken off at half time. Moreover, Zenit was in pursuit of the winger and backed out due to his wage demands. With Ryan Giggs coming to the twilight of his footballing career, Nani still has a season under his belt to impress Sir Alex and get back the faith that he once had.
4. Kiko Macheda
Another talented youngster who is staring at the exit gates at Old Trafford. The attacker who made it up to the ranks of the first team from the United academy, scored an impressive goal in his debut against Aston Villa in 2009. Although he is very talented and has an eye for goal, Macheda did not impress in his loan spells at Sampdoria and QPR. Call it pure bad luck, the young lad was injured during his spell at QPR and was out of favour of the Sampdoria manager. Similar to Bebe, Macheda impressed in the pre season games and is now scoring well in the U-19s. Sir Alex may just send him on loan during January, but his chances of staying at Old Trafford look bleak.
5. Nemanja Vidic
Unusual name in this list, is it not? However, reports suggest that Manchester United may as well cash in on the big Serb after Anzhi Makhachkala expressed their interest. Vidic returned to first team action at the beginning of the season after being out for almost the whole of 2012-13 and is again sidelined with a serious knee injury. With reinforcements Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all coming back after injury, it won’t be surprising to see Sir Alex cashing on the big defender. It is just a speculation till now, come January and the result would be known.
