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Players play the way they are coached – a fine example of that is Juergen Klopp and Borussia Dortmund‘s rise to prominence on the European stage in the past years or so.
With the transfer market closing in less than 10 days time, Manchester United may end up signing none. One thing is certain, improving the squad is vital in terms of the modern game, but one should not envisage panic buys like Manchester City last summer. Here is a list of transfer missions for Manchester United to look at:
‘Mission ‘Probable’ – Mesut Ozil
Mesut Özil is a midfield player of attacking finesse, who was among the best young talents at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which led to his transfer from Werder Bremen to Real Madrid. He made 29 assists and 27 goals in the 2012-13 season and could be the missing link between the attack and the midfield for Manchester United.
Özil is left-footed player with experience of playing in the wings and through the middle. The German could form a good partnership with Shinji Kagawa and is a better version of Anderson. With the arrival of Isco and possible arrival of Bale, rolling the dice on Özil, who was on the short-list of 2011-12 season’ FIFA Ballon d’Or award would cost about £38 million, but the probability of getting the deal done in limited time is a bit low.
‘Mission Improbable’ – Juan Mata
Chelsea’s Juan Mata could be the perfect fit for United, but would be tough to get (Getty Images)
The Spaniard could be one the better choice of players to buy. He is a similar player to Mesut Özil who has vital attacking attributes. He has taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival at Chelsea from Valencia, scoring vital goals and assists for the London club. Having won the Champions League and Europa League in successive seasons, it is of no doubt that he is a player of true class.
With the possible arrival of Willian and abundance of attacking midfielders at in the form of of Oscar, Eden Hazard, and Kevin de Bruyne, it would be possible to make a bid for Mata to test his strength and Chelsea’s resolve. The bid could breathe life into United fans and also act as a counter-punch against Chelsea, after their bid for Wayne Rooney got rejected twice. Let’s face it, this transfer rumour is similar to that of Cesc Fabregas, with Wayne Rooney involved, minus the official bid.
‘Mission Possible’ – Ross Barkley
Adding Ross Barkley would be a good move, in sync with David Moyes’ principle of bring through youngsters and academy products (Getty Images)
Many Manchester United fans would remember this player being linked with the club in the past. He was coached by David Moyes at Everton. At 19 years of age, the signing would imprint the stamp of David Moyes at the club and also form the gauntlet of young English talent with the likes of Nick Powell, Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Wilfried Zaha. He could prove to be better in terms of mobility and vision than Marouane Fellaini and even cost lesser than him.
As much as Fellaini would be a good signing, he would not be the signing that suits the style of play at Manchester United, especially when the young guns at the club are up for the task. Ross Barkley will be a safer signing in terms of the transfer market and not a panic buy.
‘Mission next summer’
Leighton Baines was the Premier League’s leading full-back last season (Getty Images)
Though Patrice Evra is losing his legs, he has played consistently for United at the left-back position during his tenure. Giving Alexander Buttner and Fabio a chance at the position is the right thing to do this season for David Moyes. Having four left-backs is going to do no good. Hence Leighton Baines is the mission for next summer when a player in that position decides to leave the club, probably Evra. Baines, who was the best left-back in the Premier league last season can then join United. This mission also includes players in areas where the club needs strengthening next summer.
