How to replace the man who has won everything?
Manchester United are set for their first pre-season without Sir Alex at the helm since 1986. David Moyes’ first challenge in order to fill ‘the biggest shoes in world football’, are how he aims to shape his squad and put his own imprint on the institution.
How will the former Everton man, use his first transfer window? Who can we expect to be going through the revolving doors of Carrington, in potentially the most unstable summer in nearly 30 years?
Potential Ins
Thiago Alcantara – The name on everyone’s lips following his sensational exploits in the U21 European Championships. Thiago, son of Brazilian world cup winner Mazinho, has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford from Barcelona. Although appearing to possess all the talents possible, he has struggled to break the Xavi-Iniesta, midfield partnership.
The 22 year old is reportedly considering his future with the Catalan giants, due to his increasing frustration at lack of playing time. Moyes has been a long term admirer of the Spaniard and the champions have also tracked the starlet’s progress since his debut.
It is suggested that the midfielder could be available for as little as £15m this summer and appears an ideal replacement for the retiring Scholes.
Leighton Baines – The first of two players on the list that Moyes may be looking to bring with him from Goodison Park. Leighton Baines, has now established himself as one of the premiere left backs in European football. As well as earning a place in the recent Premier League XI Team of the Year, the 28 year old Liverpudlian has begun to seriously challenge Ashley Cole’s international berth.
Patrice Evra has had his critics in the previous seasons and the 32 year old is arguably the weak link in the champions defence. With Moyes’ connections with the full back it seems a realistic assumption that the Everton man could soon be pulling on the red of the champions.
Marouane Fellaini – Everton’s record transfer from 2008 has been hugely impressive in his demonstrative role in midfield. His performance against Man United on the opening day of last season, being a particular highlight.
The Belgian international is now adding goals to his all round play, which has only helped to enhance his reputation as one of the best, powerful midfielders in European football. Having already rejected the club’s apporcah prior to his move to Merseyside, can Moyes sway the former Standard Liege player to join forces with him for a second time?
With Arsenal reportedly already having made a bid and the money Everton will be able to command for the 25 year old, this one appears it may be more of a challenge for the new boss.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Oh yes, him…Four years after one of the most talked about and ultimately most expensive transfer in history, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aviero is back on the gossip pages. Arguably, the best player on the planet, Ronaldo has become disillusioned with life in Madrid. Regularly not celebrating his countless goals in La Liga.
As per Real Madrid regulations, when a player has two years left on their contract, they are given the option to re-sign or are sold on. With the Portuguese captain’s latest tweets, it is predicted this contract signing will not happen and so this summer may be one of movement for the 2008 World Soccer Player of the Year.
Many stumbling blocks are still in the way if ‘The Messiah’ is to return. Can Man United afford his fee and or wages? Is he willing to come back to the club without the man he still refers to as ‘The Boss’? If Moyes can pull this transfer off it signals the club’s intent to really dine at the top table of European football again.
Potential Outs
Luis Nani – ‘The New Ronaldo’ was signed in 2007 for €25.5m from Sporting Lisbon. The winger always has always appeared to have all the attributes to be a world class player. The pace, the trickery, the final product. But there has always been a question mark over the Portuguese star.
By 2011-12, the 25 year old should have been reaching the height of his powers. However, an apparent lack of maturity highlighted by Ferguson appeared to be hindering him. The past season has seen him on the peripheries of Sir Alex’s side, making only 10 league appearances.
It appears the club have lost patience with the winger and it would not be a surprise to see him be one of Moyes’ first departures. Many European clubs appear to still be willing to gamble on the enigmatic star.
Anderson – Signed alongside Luis Nani, Anderson is another midfielder who may be coming to the end of his days in Manchester. Signed for nearly £20m in 2007, hopes were high for the Brazilian playmaker.
In his first season Anderson made 24 league appearances and performed well. However, injuries and form have meant he has never surpassed this amount in the five subsequent years. Whenever his form appeared to be picking up, injuries intervened and when his fitness was of no concern, consistency was simply not attained.
With Cleverley, Kagawa and possibly Thiago, Moyes may feel he has subsequent cover in this area and that Anderson can be moved on. A superb player on his day, a move away from Old Trafford may be beneficial for both parties.
Patrice Evra – With Leighton Baines appearing to be high on Moyes’ wanted list. It raises questions about the Frenchman’s future at the club. Although he has recently been wearing the captain’s armband with Vidic’s injury issues, many critics have noted his deterioration in performances over the past two seasons.
From consistently being labelled as one of the best full backs in world football, Patrice now has people labelling him as the weak link in an otherwise watertight defence. With Monaco’s acquisition of extensive finances and their approach to recruitment, it is not unfeasible to see the French club bid for their former player.
Ashley Young – Another player whose injuries have meant he hasn’t yet been able to reach the heights the club wished for him. Signed from Aston Villa in 2011, for a fee believed to be up to £20m, Young has not been able to establish himself at Old Trafford.
21 appearances in all competitions last year, highlight how injuries have blighted the young Englishman’s stay at the club. With Zaha signing and the amount of forward players Moyes has at his disposal, he may look to cash in on the former Watford star. The club may be worried another season such as last one will mean the club has to take an even bigger hit on the money paid for him.
By Ben Husband
Follow Ben on Twitter: @BenHusband
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