Top 5 replacements for Nani at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s left-wing in recent years has been defined by just one name: Nani. The way he dribbles past defenders with terrifying pace, makes even the fastest and smartest defenders look silly. He has entertained the Old Trafford faithful over the years.

However, all good things must come to an end. It’s just a matter of time, before the inevitable departure of the Red Devils contract rebel. It’s time for United to open up their wallets and get home a perfect replacement for the star. Finding someone like Nani may not be that easy after all. But hunting down an injury-free, lighting fast, goal-scoring and dominating left-winger may not be such a difficult job at all. After posing the question in various forums, the following are possible replacements for the Portuguese star, if at all he leaves greener pastures.

James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez of Porto.

The Porto starlet has proved his mettle and shown the world he is the next big thing. SAF has already set eyes on him and would have considered a serious move had the Zenit Petersburg deal to snap Nani up in the summer not fallen through. Given Porto’s ability to squeeze money from the perspective buyers of their players, he wouldn’t come cheap. But one thing is for sure, given the ability and skills he is blessed with and the array of goals and assists he has on his report card, he would be a superb long term replacement at United.

Nicolas Gaitan

Nicolas Gaitan of SL Benfica (L).

Tabloids said his arrival was almost certain this summer but it fell apart mysteriously, much to the surprise of many United fans. But the Argentine who is young and already giving his counterpart Di Maria a fight for the national squad is the jigsaw that can fit in perfectly in United’s formation puzzle. He was a reason for United’s elimination from the group stages last year. In most of the fans view he would be the ideal buy. However, interest from Anzi would mean United will have to make serious bids to get him.

Viktor Fischer

Viktor Fischer of Ajax (L)

Ajax Amsterdam’s academy is a home to talents who have, every now and then proved their worth in the world. This Danish wonderkid is a goal machine and United seem interested in him. Only 19, but viciously technical, he lethally finds the net with ease. With Danish starlets Eriksen and Boilesen, he represents the new face of Ajax. Given SAF’s ability to turn talent into professionals this lad will be a good addition to the United’s rooster.

Thomas Ince

Thomas Ince of Blackpool

Like father, like son. This lad has the technical ability to be a defender’s nightmare and has the ability to pierce the defense from his flank. Like most wingers he can play left, right or centre forward if needed. He has several areas to improve on if we have a look at it and is more of a future first team player at United than as a regular. But yes at more or less 6 million, he is one hell of an investment. He would be a perfect understudy for Valencia, Giggs and Young; of course if United are fine with his ‘ex-Liverpool’ tag.

Nacer Chadli

Nacer Chadli of FC Twente

At 23, he is dubbed the next in the league of Hulk, Cristiano and Ibrahimovic. Over time he has exquisitely refined his attacking prowess and has shown sign of being a proper no. 7 jersey bearer in a major club. He alone can rip a defense to shreds and is amazing with the ball at his feet. If United are interested, he would surely come at a bargained price.