6 of the best: Players to solve United's midfield conundrum

Despite putting in a match-winning performance, the deployment of Wayne Rooney alongside Michael Carrick in Manchester United’s midfield acted to highlight the Old Trafford club’s lack of strength in this area.

Though Alex Ferguson’s side have all but regained the Premier League title whilst barely being tested by those around them, questions continue to be asked regarding the manager’s options in central midfield. With perhaps the exception of Michael Carrick, there are obvious flaws with all the midfield options in United’s current squad.

The enigmatic Anderson may be shown the Old Trafford exit this summer after yet another season of relative disappointment, and Darren Fletcher’s on-going medical issues mean Ferguson will still not be able to rely on the Scot in the new season.

At times this year, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have finally looked as though the pace of the Premiership may be too much for their ever-increasingly aged legs, and though there are still those moments of brilliance from both, the summer may see the curtain finally fall on the careers of two of the finest players football has ever seen.

At the opposite end of the career spectrum, Tom Cleverley, and the even less experienced but no-less talented Nick Powell, both look excellent prospects for the future of Man United’s midfield. Indeed, much responsibility has already been placed on Cleverley’s shoulders this term for both club and country, but after another bright opening to the season, the England midfielder’s performances have become more and more sporadic as the season has worn on.

Rooney’s presence in a withdrawn, midfield role against Stoke suggests Ferguson may finally be coming to accept the short-coming of his squad and that significant investment may be needed in this area if his United side are to challenge, in the short-term at least for league and European silverware next season.

Despite the ease at which the Premier League was recaptured, possibly with a record points-haul, United exited Europe early and Ferguson will be well aware that both Manchester City and Chelsea will recover from seasons bereft of drive with regards to City, and some form of managerial stability for the West London club.

Add to this the continued development of Tottenham under Andre Villas-Boas and Liverpool under Brendan Rogers, a potential summer spending spree for Arsene Wenger and Everton’s continued solidity under the stewardship of David Moyes, and it is easy to assume that not only will there be a significant challenge to United’s grip on the league title, but also a place in the top four and qualification for the Champions League.

Consequently, expect Ferguson to enter the transfer market this summer. We look at some of his options.

Luka Modri? – Real Madrid

Alex Ferguson’s appreciation for the little Croatian’s talents are well-known, having tried to sign the player last summer before his move to Real Madrid. Ferguson was priced out of a move then, but Modri? has since failed to cement a place in Real’s starting line-up and with the imminent departure of José Mourinho from the Bernabéu, the temptation must surely be there for Ferguson to try to sign the playmaker as a replacement for Paul Scholes. If Modri? remains in Spain, his Real team-mate Nuri ?ahin, currently on loan at Dortmund, Barcelona’s gifted youngster Thiago Alcântara or potentially even Cesc Fàbregas may be available to provide similar alternatives.

Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen

The tough-tackling, all-action German international midfielder would be seen by many as an ideal fit for United, with a large proportion of fans in agreement that Ferguson has never managed to replace Old Trafford legend, Roy Keane. Competition for his signature will be fierce, with German giants Bayern Munich having been reportedly close to completing a €22 M deal for Bender last summer and likely to be looking to add him to their squad when the transfer window re-opens. Arsene Wenger may finally be poised to break all club transfer records this summer, with Bender also high on his wish-list. With Ferguson unwilling to enter excessive transfer auctions in the past, he may seek value elsewhere. If he does, Lars’ twin brother, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven, may be an option, though that may depend on the destination of current Dortmund loanee Nuri ?ahin. If either Lars or Sven are not available, PSV’s Kevin Strootman may offer a similar and potentially cheaper option.

Frank Lampard – Chelsea

Despite reaching 34, Lampard could yet provide a stop-gap option in United’s midfield, adding some much-needed experience were both Giggs and Scholes to retire. Having lost his place and with Chelsea seemingly unwilling to extend his contract for more than a year past its current expiry this summer, Lampard could well fit the bill for Ferguson. Despite his advancing years, Lampard has performed as well as anyone in the Premiership when called upon, providing goals as ever. What has been noticeable over the past two seasons or so is the players’ willingness to adapt, playing in a deeper role, using his vast experience and looking to control the play for both club and country. The barn-storming late runs towards goal may have gone, but the goals remain and other facets have improved immeasurably. Ferguson knows that in Lampard, he would be bringing in a player with natural leadership, one he can rely upon whenever required. For Lampard, it would mean the chance to potentially extend his career at the top past the extra year Chelsea may offer.

Victor Wanyama – Celtic

The big Kenyan rose to prominence on the back of his exceptional performances throughout this year’s Champions League and in particular in Celtic’s group stage win over Barcelona. United were reputedly refused an approach in January as the club were still challenging in Europe, but the summer window may yet provide an opportunity for Ferguson to add Wanyama to his squad for the coming season. United have lacked a physical edge in their side since the retirement of Roy Keane, but Wanyama’s height, physicality, tackling and running could be just what United need to address this. Wanyama’s imperious performances in Europe mean United won’t be the only suitor with Arsenal also said to be keen, but if United work quickly and with the league title and Champions League qualification already secured, a deal should be possible without entering an expensive bidding war.

Marouane Fellaini – Everton

With Everton’s challenge for Champions League qualification all-but over following their draw with Arsenal, keeping Fellaini at Goodison next season may be too tall an ask for manager David Moyes. If the Belgian does find the prospect of another season without Champions League too frustrating, Ferguson will likely be keen after witnessing first hand just how powerful Fellaini can be during his match-winning, opening-day performance against United. Chelsea already tried to sign the Belgian last summer and will no doubt be back, should the player become available and Real Madrid, Arsenal and numerous European clubs have all shown an interest in the past, with the supposed £22 M buy-out clause unlikely to put many off.

Wayne Rooney – Manchester United

With Ferguson’s reported interest in several of Europe’s hottest striking prospects combined with Rooney’s deployment in a deeper role several times this season, it may show that Ferguson sees Rooney as potentially the best option available to him. There is no doubt that the England striker has all the attributes required to play a midfield role – there are fewer players at Old Trafford who demonstrate Rooney’s work ethic or tenacity when closing down and Ferguson has tried the experiment previously (though with little success), converting Alan Smith into a central midfielder as he was seen to have similar attributes to Rooney. His performances in the role this year have been excellent, offering extra space and time to collect the ball and drive from deep, allowing the opportunity to create chances for players further forward or go for goal himself. As strange a prospect as it may initially have been, it could be that the challenge of re-creating himself as a central midfielder may be the push needed for a player whose career has stalled somewhat in its upward trajectory.