Why Manchester United should target playmaker Everton Ribeiro

Ribeiro of Coritiba fights for the ball with Wendel of Vasco da Gama during Brazilian Series A Championship match in Rio de Janeiro.

It’s during the next few weeks that media speculation regarding Manchester United will reach it’s zenith, rising to an unstoppable crescendo of furious rumours and ‘exclusives’ which will only end once the transfer window closes. It’s almost a relentless barrage of suggestion now for the Reds and players they’re linked with. It’s something of a formula – take any player who may or may not be available- add a random transfer fee that sounds realistic- then suggest that United officials have begun talks with said player’s club and/or Moyes has always been an admirer.

While there’ll be plenty of players supposedly Old Trafford bound over the next few weeks, some suggestions will have more merit than others. One man who has been linked, according to the Daily Star, is Everton Ribeiro.

The 24 year-old playmaker is reportedly available for around £15 million from his current club Cruzeiro, who he’s just led to the Brazilian title. United are obviously lacking a creative midfielder, a void that’s not been properly filled since Paul Scholes retired- the first time round. Despite being a player who’s best further up that pitch than Scholes was, Ribeiro may just fit the bill for exactly what Moyes and United need to stop the season becoming a disaster.

Ribeiro has been one of Cruzeiro’s main stars and the amount of chances he creates simply highlights how valuable he’s been to their play – and how useful he could be at Old Trafford.

The main problem with United signing Ribeiro is that although he can operate on either wing or support the attack, he’s probably a player who would prefer playing in a false ten role rather than the central midfield position. With Shinji Kagawa, Wayne Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and even Adnan Januzaj able to play in a similar role, does Moyes really need a player for that position? United could use Ribeiro out wide and he certainly knows how to play there, but with Wilfried Zaha struggling for games, it seems somewhat pointless bringing in a player with no English experience whatsoever, when an exciting English prospect can’t get a game.

One factor which may tempt Moyes is Ribeiro’s eye for goal, with seven strikes in 35 appearances it’s a record that suggests the youngster could chip in with his fair share given the chance at Old Trafford. Furthermore, one should note that the Brazilian has completed a staggering 66 successful take-ons, more than any player in the Brazilian league.

Given the time it’s taken Anderson to fulfil his potential- something we’re still waiting for after six seasons- Reds may be reluctant to see another Brazilian at the club, but comparing the two is a bit like saying “let’s not sign a Frenchman because William Prunier wasn’t all that.” Ribeiro could prove that effective, direct, attacking edge that United are so desperately missing. At 24 Ribeiro is nowhere near his peak, without being too young to figure for United this season, although there are other players many Reds would rather see at Old Trafford, taking a Brazilian gamble, could show that Moyes isn’t the negative manager he’s being labelled as.