Manchester United should target Alex Song

Branded with the ‘worst summer signing in La Liga’ label just four months after his arrival from Arsenal last season, Alex Song started life at Barcelona in uninspiring fashion. However, the Cameroon international went on to generate 20 league appearances and finished the season without being involved in a single loss. But with just three appearances from eight this season, there have been reports that the 26-year-old is growing frustrated with his time at Camp Nou and would be open to a move back to the Premier League. So should those situated in the English topflight be interested in gaining the midfielder’s services?

Arsenal, naturally, have been linked with a deal, but the form of Wales international Aaron Ramsey has quietened the rumours. Although the duo play in a similar position, Ramsey is a much more energetic, attack-minded individual, which the statistics support. The Gunners midfielder has sparkled in front of goal this season, scoring eight goals in his 11 games, while Song has had just one shot in his trio of appearances.

Aaron Ramsey’s Premier League goals this season

Ramsey has also won a larger proportion of his duels (64%) than Song (45%), which sparks debate where the African would fit into the set up should a move transpire. Mathieu Flamini has been given the anchor role since his return, and also has a better duel success (55%) than Song while matching his pass completion rate (93%). Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta are also options for Wenger, which argues that the north London outfit don’t need his presence.

Flamini has a 93% pass success in the Premier League

Perhaps Man United should consider Alex Song. David Moyes’ desperation to reinforce his midfield ended with a late swoop for Marouane Fellaini in the summer, while bids for Cesc Fabregas and Ander Hererraapparently failed. The problem in United’s midriff isn’t a defensive outlet, it’s the absence of an inventive player who is able to collect the ball from Michael Carrick and spark the side into an attack.

Shinji Kagawa is the man that the nation want to see in the said role, but Moyes is seemingly against deploying the little Japan international. The acquisition of Fellaini made sense – although not the most gifted player in the league in terms of technique, his physical presence and ability to drive with the ball allowedMichael Carrick‘s to pick up the scraps and spray passes around the field. Adding Song to the mix up would give Moyes a different option, but whether they need it is debatable. Song’s main assets are his capacity to interrupt opponent attacks before knocking the ball to a team-mate. He has so far won 7/8 of his tackles and completed 93% of his passes, which would be a welcome addition into most sides. However, Song is not particularly mobile and would stiffen the United midfield if played beside Carrick.

Tom Cleverley may get slated because of his lack of creativeness but his energy levels suit Carrick’s and he is more than able to complete a short pass – he has proved that this season. Furthermore, in Robin van Persie’s last season, Song created a number of chances which assisted Van Persie to a handful of goals. Perhaps a rekindling of this connection could get Van Persie playing more freely again.

Cleverley has a 90% pass success rate in the Premier League

Some have suggested that Manchester City would benefit from Song’s services, and it’s easy to see why. While Manuel Pellegrini’s side are littered with top notch forwards, they are sometimes in need of that extra man in the middle. New signing Fernandinho has added some much needed steel into the side since arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer – winning 14/17 of his attempted tackles and 10/11 of his headers – but signing an Alex Song-type player to sit alongside him would only release the shackles further from City’s powerhouse Yaya Toure, who is having a wonderful season.

Fernandinho’s record in duels this season

Strength in depth is something that all top teams need if they are to claim any silverware, but if your stock is too high then it allows frustration to grow within the squad. At 26, Song should be entering the peak stages of his footballing career, and while he is on the books at one of the biggest sides in world football, there is potential to play more games elsewhere and rekindle his reputation.