Christmas Shopping: Who Should Manchester United Buy?
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Goal.com Christmas Shopping: Who Should Manchester United Buy?
Goal.com's transfer special series comes to focus on the Red Devils...
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson have a defensive injury crisis unheard of in his 23-year tenureSir Alex Ferguson rarely hits the January sales, but this time around, Manchester United’s credit card could be maxed out.
The manager has sent out mixed messages. On one hand he has bemoaned the lack of value in the market, while also making it clear that money is in the pot for him to spend.
Supporters are certainly eager to see him flash the cash. A skinflint summer of dealing saw the combined cost of Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan and Michael Owen barely skim the surface of the £80 million fee for Cristiano Ronaldo.
A minor cosmetic tweak, rather than emergency surgery, is required. United are through to the knockout stages of the Champions League and are in the slipstream of Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title.
Two deals wrapped up in pre-season are ready to reach fruition. Striker Mame Biriam Diouf should arrive after his loan at Molde FK ends and 17-year old Corinthians defensive starlet Dodo is supposedly in the bag for February.
A transfer window splash to sprinkle stardust on the side could well prove the difference in guaranteeing another champagne soaked summer.
Goalkeepers
A plethora of column inches have been devoted to pinpointing the name of the next United number one.
United are rumoured to be looking east to acquire a new goalkeeper, even though Ferguson has expressed his faith in Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak. The two leading candidates for the spot are CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev and Schalke 04’s Manuel Neuer.
Ferguson has always been a fan of acquiring talent that has shined in opposition, and Akinfeev could not have enjoyed a finer audition. In both of the club’s Champions League meetings, he exhibited every drop of the class that has got Europe purring.
A sky-high £20 million fee put on his head and CSKA’s progression past the group stage look to have put the kibosh on a winter move, though.
For Neuer, the signs are more promising. United’s scouts have been regularly posted to the Veltins Arena and he has confirmed interest in the switch.
Any new player brought in might not be able to count Ben Foster as a team mate. Reports of a loan exit to boost his bid for the England jersey have been discounted by Ferguson, but continue to build momentum.
Defenders
A defensive injury crisis unheard of in Ferguson’s 23-year tenure could force him in to the marketplace.
Eight top class first team players are currently in the care of the United medical staff. The Scot spoke at the weekend of the damaging blow this has dealt to the dream of a record breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Forced to search outside the gates of Old Trafford for the remedy, Palermo’s Simon Kjaer, Bolton Wanderers' Gary Cahill, CSKA Moscow starlet Uros Cosic and even veteran Sol Campbell have been linked.
Despite a denial from his Italian parent club, Kjaer looks the most likely to make the move. He has spoken openly about a desire to move to the Premier League and Palermo have always been open for business if the right offer arrives.
Cast in the image of injury prone superstar Rio Ferdinand, he could well be the successor for one of the best defenders in the world.
Elsewhere, a dip in form from Cahill has quelled the fevered transfer chatter of the autumn, while Ferguson was quick to dismiss a shock free transfer move for Campbell.
Although little known to anyone but the most informed of Russian football fanatics, Cosic is a contender to make the move. Scouts have raved about the 17 year old's potential, and he could make as dramatic an impact as fellow Serb Nemanja Vidic if purchased.
The flood of injuries to United’s backline make any exits a long shot. Real Madrid are reported to have expressed an interest in Jonny Evans, though with Ferguson a confirmed fan, this seems an impossibility.
Midfielders
It seems spurious to talk of an Achilles Heel in a side that is in the running for a fourth Premier League title and third Champions League final appearance in a row. Midfield has long been cited as a weakness in the United squad, however.
The names sitting at the top of Ferguson’s reported shopping list are Napoli hot shot Marek Hamsik, CSKA Moscow’s emerging superstar Milos Krasic, Valencia wide man David Silva and Olympique Marseille tear-away Hatem Ben Arfa.
Each man would add a significant goal threat and boost the quality in the ranks, although no purchase would be easy to accomplish.
Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis has refused to countenance the idea of a sale, promising not to be swayed by suitcases of cash from the Premier League.
For Krasic, his stunning strike against Besiktas was meant to be the crowning glory of his time in Russia, but the club’s European progression has halted the necessity of a move.
Competition for his signature would be fierce with AC Milan, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid and Arsenal all supposedly in the hunt.
Ferguson’s successful gamble on Gabriel Obertan has supposedly influenced him to take a risk on Ben Arfa. Whether Marseille have given up on his potential yet is not known.
For Silva, Valencia’s crippling debt could play in to United’s hands. However, the Spain international wasn’t too hot on a switch to England more than a year ago and is currently sidelined by injury.
Amidst the talk of arrivals, Nani and Zoran Tosic are poised for the departure lounge.
Nani’s explosive revelations on international duty has put him in the clutches of Fiorentina and AC Milan, while Tosic’s lack of action makes a loan exit to suitors FC Twente possible.
Strikers
Supporters holding their breath for a big name centre forward should take a gulp of air as no arrival in this area is expected.
Real Madrid new boy Karim Benzema, A.C. Milan flop Klaas Jan Huntelaar, deadly Valencia front man David Villa and giant Wolfsburg number nine Edin Dzeko have all been linked, though the acquisition of a new striker is likely to be put on hold until the summer.
Ferguson’s faith in his current line up has been shown by the continued selection of Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen, as well as his decision to hand contracts to Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck in recent weeks.
The Scot has also confirmed that a work permit for summer signing Mame Biriam Diouf will be applied for after being wowed in training.
IN (4): Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), Dodo (Corinthians), Mame Biriam Diouf (loan end – work permit pending).
OUT (1): Nani
LOANS OUT (6): Zoran Tosic, Corry Evans, Craig Cathcart, Tom Cleverley (loan extensions – both Watford), Danny Simpson (loan extension – Newcastle United), David Gray (loan extension – Plymouth Argyle)
Preferred Line-up (4-4-2)
Van der Sar/Neuer
O’Shea Vidic Ferdinand/Kjaer Evra
Valencia Fletcher Anderson Giggs
Berbatov Rooney
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France Internationals Hugo Lloris & Hatem Ben Arfa Coveted By Manchester United – Report
The Red Devils have honed in their radars on le Championnat to bolster their squad during the January transfer window.
Hugo Lloris (France)Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson continues to be closely associated with Olympique de Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa and reports also suggest he could make a swoop for Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper Hugo Lloris too.
Rumours surrounding a potential January move to Old Trafford for out-of-favour Ben Arfa first began to circulate late on Friday, but the speculation has stepped up in intensity on Sunday, when radio station RTL confirmed that the former Lyon youth’s agent had held talks with representatives of the Premier League titans.
It is suggested that the 22-year-old could join the Red Devils in the coming weeks for around €9 million before being loaned out to either Birmingham City or Everton. Ferguson supposedly wants the Parisian-born talent toughened up a little before regularly turning out at the Theatre of Dreams.
The People suggests that Lloris is also a potential target for the Scottish manager. With Edwin van der Sar in the twilight of his career, the young France international goalkeeper would seem an ideal replacement as he has been in stunning form with les Gones as well as his country.
Turning 23 years old on Boxing Day, Lloris’ has already demonstrated his consistency at a top level, although he is still considered a youngster by goalkeeping standards.
No fee has been suggested for his services, but it would be in excess of the €8.5m Lyon paid Nice for him in the summer of 2008.Reports in Italy, meanwhile, has pin-pointed Fiorentina's Sebastien Frey as a potential successor to van der Sar.
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Manchester United Linked With Move For Fiorentina's Sebastien Frey - Report
The Red Devils are tracking one of Serie A's best goalkeepers...
Sebastien Frey - Fiorentina (Getty Images)Fiorentina are bracing themselves for a winter raid by Manchester United who are eager to land highly-rated goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.
Sportmediaset.it reports that the Old Trafford-based club have been following the Frenchman, who has been outstanding for the Viola this season.
It is said Frey would be the future heir to Edwin van der Sar between the sticks. The Dutchman's contract expires in the summer and Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to ensure he lands the right replacement.
Capturing Frey will be difficult though as his contract expires in 2013 and he signed an €18 million release clause two years ago amid interest from Milan. Furthermore, with a place in the Champions League last 16, the Viola are unlikely to sell one of their prized assets mid-season.
La Gazzetta Dello Sport are also reporting an interest from United in Frey. The pink sports paper claims the Viola are looking at Bologna goalkeeper Emiliani Viviano in case the Frenchman moves to Manchester. -
Fergie going for French stars now?
In Goalkeeping, Kuzczcak is still weak at crosses and his goal kick is questionable too. I've never seen him pumping the ball to the right place, his kicks are always aimed to the left middle of the field and more frequently seen kicking out for opponent throw in. A reserve keeper at best.
Foster is turning into a piece of crap. I still remember Robinson's freekick that loop over his head into the goal, how he tried to be clever many a time and lose possession of the ball. Think Tevez in the derby match. Sell Foster away as soon as possible Fergie, when he's still worth something.
Frey is a good keeper but i think he cant thrive in big stage. He was with Inter Milan a couple of years back and cant even retain the No 1 spot. Plus the fact that he's already 29, not appealing at all.
Hugo Iloris or Steve Mandanda or Igor Akinfeev look like better prospect (They look good in FM too.
). My pick would be Lloris. First of all, Fergie is seemingly building his core towards French players and It's good to have a keeper that can communicate with his teammates. Furthermore, he is young and he will only improve unlike some Ben Foster who has lost his way due to the pressure of expectations and his big ego for thinking that he's some superstar now.In defence, United is seriously lacking a tough central defender apart from Vidic. Evans look like a stickman, Ferdinand is on his way downhill, Brown is a sicknote. I'd recommend Gary Cahill of Bolton or Steven Taylor of Newcastle.
Retire Neville please. What nonsense defender he is, and he's actually the skipper?! He runs so slowly and always commits professional fouls, a dirty player at best and he's always mouthing off at the wrong time to the wrong people. I was actually happy to see him getting sent off in the FA Cup cos Fergie, please wake up and see that he's of no use. I'd rather play Simpson instead of him.
In my opinion, Hartem Ben Arfa, although his attitude is questionable, will no doubt be the best bet as he is cheap. I would like to see Obertan and Ben Arfa on the wing for United as they both possess the skills, tricks and speed, enough to win the fans over.
I think Fergie should consider Luca Toni. He might prove to be a better Bosman transfer as compared to Owen. Alternatively, Fergie can try his luck on Agbonlahor. Pacey, Strong and good in air, a perfect foil for Rooney.
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well, for a GK, I still prefer those vocal ones like Peter Schmeichel, he really keep those defenders infront of him on their toes. And as a defender, u know, if U make a mistake, the keeper behind will chew u.. not sure if any targets mentioned fit this.
for gary neville, U are spot on in that he lost his pace. but i still loved it when you see the opposing fans' reaction when they see him, esp those pool fans... haha.
as for arfa, well, if anyone can "tame" him, it is the wily old fox.
english players are expensive, and given the ??? hanging over how much $$ MU has... it is not easy..