Manchester United Keen On Daryl Janmaat After World Cup Performance

Daryl Janmaat may have attracted the attention of Manchester United scouts after what has been described as a very impressive performance in the Dutch team world cup opening match against Spain.  Talking totalkSPORTS, Ronald de Boer said “Janmaat is a great attacking full-back. I see him a little bit like Dani Alves. He can go along the side for 90 minutes with ease. He is also good defensively. He is a modern right-full back.”

Manchester United’s need for reinforcement in their defence has been very well document. However, not much has been said about any urgent need for a right full back where Rafael Da Silva plays. He has been United’s right full back since Sir Ferguson’s era. Over the years, he has been in fantastic form when he is fit to play and that doesn’t happen very often as he is constantly in and out of injuries. Last season, he had only 22 appearances in all competitions leaving Smalling and sometimes Phil Jones to stand-in as right full back. His inconsistent form could certainly push United to buy another right full back.

The 24-year-old Feyenoord Janmaat defender is capable of playing as right full back and on the right side of the midfield. He is very strong on the ball and is known for his passing range and very attack conscious. He has consistently featured in his team’s attack drive. Last season, he got 2 goals and 5 assists in 30 appearances for his team. Janmaat has had 16 appearances for the Holland national team and is with the squad in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup. He was one of the main actors when the Netherlands destroyed Spain in their first world cup game 3 days ago.

Skysportsunderstands that “The Eredivisie side are refusing to give up on their efforts to keep both men on their books, but have accepted that the pair are eager to explore their options when the transfer window re-opens”. It thus appears that they may be moving away from the club this summer with Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal joining United in the race to bring him to England. An initial transfer fee of £6.5 million has been mentioned but the club could cash in on a bidding war to make more off the player.

Janmaat is a player United should move to snatch away from the market. His entry into the team would increase the team’s options in the right full back allowing Smalling and Jones to concentrate on central defence. His overlapping runs could eliminate United’s need to field a winger on the right side thus favouring Van Gaal’s 4-3-3 system.

United fans who watch him unsettle the Spanish team in their opening world cup match would be expecting to see him in a United shirt next season.

Any Future For Ryan Giggs As Manchester United Manager?

Ryan Joseph Giggs OBE is a Manchester United legend from whatever point we look at it. The 40-year-old Welshman, who played his last game for United in April this year, joined the club in 1987 but had his debut in 1990 in United’s home game against Everton. By the time he retired last May, he had made an astounding 963 appearances and scored 168 goals; scoring at least one goal in each season since his debut.

He has earned the respect of players and staff at Old Trafford through his career spanning 27 years. He is by far the most decorated player in English history. As a United player, he has won 13 Premier League medals, 4 F.A Cup medals, 3 League Cup medals and 2 Champions League medals. In 1992 and 1993, he became the first English player to win two consecutive Young Player of the Year Award. On and off the pitch, he has distinguished himself as a highly disciplined and resourceful personality. Throughout his Manchester United career, he never got a red card.

Beside Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, no one else knows Manchester United as well as Ryan Giggs does.  He worked closely with Sir Alex Ferguson as a player and would certainly have learned a few on the job strategies and skills from his former boss. During David Moyes brief spell as United manager, he reported described Giggs as a ‘freak” after Giggs helped steer the team through to the quarter finals of the Champions League’.  His experience in United affairs is a huge asset should he decide to take any further role in the club. Added to this is his, he has taken a UEFA Coaching course and became‘the first man to complete his UEFA Pro Licence during his playing days’ as reported by The Daily Mail. He has therefore shown intent to become a manager and possibly take over the Manchester United manager’s job one day.

As United Interim Manager after the Moyes era, he received the backing of Sir Ferguson and those of a number of Club officials who have known him and watched him transform from a young boy of 13 to a man of 40. The Telegraph reported that at a fundraising dinner in Manchester, Sir Ferguson said ‘I think that he [Giggs] is the one man they should go to really. He’s got 20-odd years of experience at Manchester United. I signed him as a kid at 13 years of age. He’s gone through the gamut of emotions at the club – he’s experienced all the highs and lows. He knows exactly what’s needed to be a Manchester United player…’

Is he ripe yet to take on a club as big as Manchester United? Many would not agree but a consensus can be reached that United should turn to him sometime in the future; in the same way as some big clubs are now doing: Liuz Enrique in Barcelona and Zidane in Real Madrid.

Nicolas Gaitan Puts Spurs, Manchester United on Alert

Argentine international and Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan has announced that he may be open to a transfer to other leagues with Tottenham and Manchester United his preferred destinations. Jose Iribarren, the player’s agent declared that though he had previously made up his mind not to leave Benfica during this transfer window; he has had a change of mind and would be open to moving to the English Premier League “If a potential buyer makes an offer that interests Benfica, we will carefully consider it”, Speaking further to the Express, he vowed to “put the club first, to help with their serious problems”alluding to the club dire financial situation of the club.

Several reports claim that Benfica are willing to sell the player should the right monetary offer which will enable them sort some of their own financial problems arrive for the player. There has been no official statement from the Benfica, so it remains to be seen if the club will be willing to let him go or if they will explore alternative avenues to resolve their financial situation. No transfer fee has been place on him making all of these mere speculations.

All these notwithstanding, the player has been on the radar of some top European clubs notably Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Zenit Saint Petersburg managed by former Tottenham boss, Andre Villas Boas. Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s new manager has already indicated interest in bring his fellow countryman to the English Premier League. Whether Gaitan would eventually leave Benfica this summer and where he could end up are still speculations. The player’s potential impact in any of his preferred destinations could prove very vital.

Louis van Gaal’s perception of Gaitan has not been widely publicised and the Dutch may end up not making the move to bring the player to Old Trafford. According to Whoscored, He can play in a few midfield positions: left hand side of the midfield, attacking midfield from the left and the centre. He has speed which can fittingly complement an attacking formation.

He can play as a winger and an attacking midfielder, the same position for which Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria can play and are players that interested United’s Dutch manager according to reports. Last season, he made 42 appearances for his club and got 6 goals. He has been very consistent for his club. Personally I will prefer us to go for the bigger names in Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro ( if the reports linking us to them are true ) . However, should United not succeed in bringing in Sanchez and or Di Maria, they could likely turn attention to Nicolas Gaitan.

Louis Van Gaal: Manchester United A “Healthy Distraction”

Louis Van Gaal like any coach at the world cup in Brazil right now, is a man under some pressure. On his shoulders lie the hopes of the Dutch team, a team thought to be perennial under-achievers, a description they have shared with the Spanish team until Spain won the world cup four years ago in South Africa. But Van Gaal is not new pressure; he has spent the better part of the last 3 decades of his life managing pressure from football competitions both at the world stage and at the European level.

Writing in The Mirror, David McDonnell in Brazil quotes Van Gaal as saying ‘the world cup is a championship clubs don’t take part in, so I am fully focused on the national team. Distraction? It may be a distraction…you can’t just focus monotonously on the world cup, so perhaps Manchester United was a good distraction. You can’t be fully focused on football for five weeks.” Holland opened their world cup campaign with the same team they ended it with four years ago: Spain! The Dutch team lost by one goal to Spain in the finals of the world cup four years ago but have now avenged the loss of 4 years ago by playing the favourites Spain 5-1. However, with Chile winning against Australia, nothing is guaranteed in the group just yet even though the Dutch have given themselves a massive chance of progressing with the win over Spain yesterday.

Added to this is the pressure of what looks like a transfer business in shambles at Old Trafford. The club would have loved to have sealed at least one or two deals before the start of the world cup but that has appeared to be an impossible task so far. And, expectedly, whether Van Gaal admits it or not, it is a source of massive pressure on any coach. A club in dire need of reinforcement is seemingly lagging behind while teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea that finished in the top four have already brought in fresh legs. It is understood that Manchester United’ new manager has handed Ed Woodward a list of his summer targets but unfortunately, all fans have heard this summer have been rumours and speculations which have seen Manchester United’s targets head elsewhere. This is bound to be very strange for United fans and may be to Van Gaal himself. So, admittedly, Van Gaal will be under some pressure from both country duties and United responsibilities.

Van Gaal would probably have learned that it is important to try to multi task on both jobs if he is to get the kind of players that will help him start his Old Trafford career on a sound note.

Manchester United Favourite To Sign Belgian Star

Arsenal out of favour Captian, Thomas Vermaelen featured only 14 times during the last league campaign for his team. In recent times, Wenger had favoured the central defensive pair of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. According to The DailyStar, Manchester United may be leading the race to sign the Belgian defender who is currently in Brazil with the Belgian team.

Manchester United was dealt a big blow when two of its defence generals left the club at the end of last season. Namanja Vidic moved to Inter Milan and Rio Ferdinand saw his contract run out with the club refusing to engage him in new contract talks or extension. Both men have marshaled United’s defence over the years, helping the team win competitions. Their departure has left the team with a largely inexperienced and ineffective trio comprising Johnny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones. Lately, Evans and Jones have been in and out of injury, the later may indeed still be nursing a shoulder injury even though he is with the England team in Brazil. Besides this failing, they are still thought to be players of the future. It is therefore inevitable for United to seek to bring in some reinforcement as Van Gaal rebuilds the team.

Vermaelen has been identified as a possible replacement for Vidic. The 28-year old Belgian has only a year left in his contract and may leave on a free transfer next year. It is understood that Arsenal are unlikely to open contract talks with him and may in fact be willing to let him go this year so as to be able to make some money from his sale. This time, Wenger, the Arsenal manager, may actually be favourably disposed to selling his player to United unlike what happen with Van Persie two years ago when his hands were forced.

Though side-lined in Arsenal, Vermaelen is no less a fantastic defender and may still add some value to the United defence. Though 28, United could still get another 5 years of active football from him. He has excellent sense of anticipation and a quick response rate. Last season, with just 14 appearances, he had one assist indicating his tendency to join the attack when he can get cover at the back.

United may still have to starve off threat from Juventus and Fiorentina who have also shown interest in taking the player to Italy.

Alexis Sanchez Set To Become A Manchester United Player?

This week has witnessed multiple reports in the media fuelling speculations that United may have joined Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign the £20 million rated Barcelona striker and winger, Alexis Sanchez. According to reports, newly appointed manager, Luis Enrique, may have earmarked the Chilean international for sale as he prepares to restructure his team.

There has never been any doubt about the quality the player possesses and though he may no longer be needed at the Nou Camp, he is a prolific winger and striker; the number of top European clubs racing for his signature is a confirmation of that. Whenever he is selected to play for the team, he has always justified his inclusion. There has been no official confirmation yet from United that a formal enquiry or bid has been made for the player, but there are already strong speculations that that United will compete with Liverpool to sign Sanchez. Should he arrive at Old Trafford, which players would have to go for him?

Sanchez is a prolific striker cum winger who can play on both sides of the wing. At Old Trafford, Sanchez would most probably be deployed to play in the wings because of the abundance of talents who can play upfront. Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Welbeck all possess goal scoring talents.

If Louis van Gaal opt to play Sanchez from the wings, right or left, then Ashley Young may no longer be needed in the team. Unfortunately for Young, his current form, especially last season could make his an easy decision for van Gaal to make. Although Young has the versatility of being able to play from the right as well as from the left, his crosses and impact on team performance has not been fantastic. Louis Nani is another player van Gaal may axe. With only five appearances last season and without any goal or assist, Nani’s with United seems to be coming to an end. Well, long overdue if you ask me.

Shinji Kagawa is a player with abundant football skills but sadly, he hasn’t been given enough playing time at United. With Rooney and Mata playing behind Van Persie, he may continue to feel frustrated on the bench, unless of course Van Gaal finds a place for him. Another player who may have his place threatened if Sanchez’ transfer to Old Trafford pulls through is Danny Welbeck whose performance especially under David Moyes has been epileptic.

All these are of course speculations and United may not eventually sign Sanchez. During this summer transfer window, almost every quality player has been linked to the team with Ed Woodward, Executive Vice-Chairman still struggling to sign the 18-year-old Southampton left back.   

Is Miranda A Fitting Replacement For Vidic, Ferdinand?

The exit of Namanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand from Manchester United is bound to leave a hole in the team’s defence. Vidic has moved to Inter Milan and Ferdinand has been informed by the United hierarchy that his contract which ran out at the end of last season would not be renewed. Both players had formed one of the strongest defence pairings in the Premier League. As replacement, United have been linked to a number of Europe’s top defenders with Joao Miranda of Atletico Madrid recently fueling speculations that United may have made discrete enquiries about him.

The 29-year –old defender who was left out of the Brazilian squad for the 2014 world cup has been in sparkling form for his club and together with Diego Godin, has formed what many have described as a water-tight defence partnership for the Diego Simeone’s side which won the La Ligaand lost out in the final of the Champions League to Real Madrid. He is an experienced defender who could possibly improve the quality of United’s defence which has now been left to the legs of Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling all of whom have not been in perfect form recently.

Multiple media outlets notably The Daily Mail have quoted the Atletico Madrid defender as saying that he has received multiple offers from across Europe "I have some offers and we are negotiating.I have offers from Spanish and English leagues and from some less important ones too.My agent is in Europe to decide my future; my buy-out fee at Atletico Madrid is €30million but that can be negotiated.” His words make no explicit mention of Manchester United, speculations in the media have linked him to United long before now. Perhaps, more information and transfer activities would follow this statement in coming days or weeks.

United certainly need to reinforce their defence but whether Miranda is the right man to do this is a question only new manager, Louis van Gaal can answer. Europe is not short of quality defenders and a manager of van Gaal’s experience sure knows this. At 29, Miranda may not hold a lot of attraction for United who have always preferred younger players. Bruno Martins Indi and Mats Hummels are younger alternatives that United have been linked with. Should it become difficult to land either or both of them, it is possible that van Gaal may look in the direction of Miranda. This is not to take anything from the quality defender who has proved his worth with 52 appearances for his side last season.

Considering Van Persie’s success at United, Miranda who is about the same age with him when he was signed, may downgrade the importance of the age theory in United’s transfer policy.

Will Paul Pogba Return to United in this Summer?

After parting ways with Manchester United in 2012, Paul Pogba the French International and Juventus midfield talisman became an immediate hit both at the club and international level. He’s been voted Europe’s best young player and he is yet to reach his peak as a footballer. His style of play and football talents is rare in young footballers of his age. He is able to dominate the midfield, initiate attack with lightning speed and score from long range. Since his debut for Juventus, the team has won the Italian League the second time in a roll and Pogba surely has something to do with this success.

The question on everyone’s lips has been why on earth did Manchester United let him go? In several interviews, Pogba has often spoken of the bitter circumstances which made him leave since he couldn’t get more playing time under Sir Alex Ferguson as United manager. It was thought that a return to United would be highly unlikely even in the distant future. All this is in the past now or so it seems as United’s new manager, Louis Van Gaal, has renewed interest in the 21 year old midfielder.

In March 2014, shortly before an international friendly with France, Van Gaal lavished praises on Pogba, warning his team, the Netherland, about the threat that Pogba possesses as a midfielder. In his interview with FourFourTwo, he said ‘Pogba is in a category of his own. Paul’s physically strong, very fast and technically superb….He’s the type of player who could fit into any team in the world.’ With such eulogies, it is not difficult to see why Van Gaal would make the move for him.

As expected, and reported by Daniel Taylor (The Observer, 7 June), Manchester United is back in for Paul Pogba and have been told they will have to pay £60 million for him. The paper also reported that Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola has stated that the player is open to a move back to Manchester United. Old Trafford believes that a £60 million valuation of the player is ‘realistic’ for a player of his talent, and age, indicating the club’s readiness to continue negotiating the player’s transfer. However, concerns are being raised about the player’s attitude especially off the pitch.

Manchester United is in dire need of quality midfielders and Paul Pogba could be an excellent and long term fix. However, beyond paying the transfer fees and agreeing personal terms, the club will need to put in proper perspective the reported frosty relationship between the player and Sir Alex Ferguson who is still a regular face at Old Trafford.

Cesc Fabregas, Pedro, Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez Could All Become Manchester United Players

A report bySimon Jones in The Daily Mail indicates that while turning down Manchester United’s enquiry on Jordi Alba, Barcelona has offered Cesc Fabregas, Pedro, Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez to United. It is understood that Luis Enrique, Barca’s new manager is set to offload these players in order to raise funds to bring in fresh legs to strengthen team and get it set for the next season.

Will Manchester United be interested in these players? Giving the club’s current failings and deficiencies, the answer is pretty obvious: YES!  As reported by the Metro, Alexis Sanchez had already attracted interest from Liverpool, Juventus and Manchester United. New manager, Louis van Gaal is reported to be very keen on bringing the Chilean international attacker/winger to Old Trafford next season and Metro has reported that a £20 million offer has been made to Barcelona. Sanchez. He has skills that will immediately make him a hit in the United team. He can fit in as a quick attacking midfielder, a top striker and a winger thereby giving van Gaal an array of attacking options. The 25 year old player has some seven active playing years ahead thus making him a long term regular in the Manchester United Team.

Cesc Fabregas has been a long time target of United especially under David Moyes who unfortunately has been sacked from the United job. Fabregas is a player who can enrich any team and it is therefore no surprise that not a few of Europe’s top clubs are after him. He can play in central midfield and attacking forward. Since leaving Arsenal, he has struggled to shine in the star studded Calatan team; last season especially, he endured a frustrating run of games. This however will take nothing away from his talent and creativity in the midfield.  It’s been widely reported that he may have agreed a deal with Chelsea. Although, the  Italian journalist, Tancredi Palmari, stated on twitter that Manchester United had offered the player higher wages and may have scuttle his move to Chelsea. A Times journalist, James Ducker, responded also on twitter(@DuckerTheTimes)  that Manchester United are not interested in the player. At the moment, van Gaal’s stance on the player is not exactly known but what he can do in United’s midfield is known.

As for Pedro, Goal.com quoted the 26-year-old Barcelona winger as saying “I’m not sure what’s going to happen….when I need to decide something, I’ll talk to the club and we’ll see what happens”. Goal.com understands that Pedro, just like Fabregas may be on his way out of Nou Camp after the world cup. If United do get to sign Sanchez who by the way has caught van Gaal’s fancy, it is very doubtful if they will ever show interest in Pedro.

Dani Alves, the Brazilian defender is also reported to have been put up for sale by the Calatans. He has been a very strong force at the back for Barcelona and with United current trouble in defence, he could be the kind of player the team needs to add experience to their central defence line.

Louis van Gaal is an experienced manager and he knows which player he wants to bring to his team. He is hardly the kind of manager who would jump at offers because they have been made. For United’s defence, he has already identified Bruno Martins Indi and Mats Hummels as his priority.

Marco Reus: Can Manchester United Win The War To Sign Him?

Newly appointed manager of Barcelona football club, Luis Enrique has made Marco Reus, the Borussia Dortmund deadly forward his number 1 target for the summer transfer window. Reports claim that Nou Camp club are already taking advantage of van Gaal’s engagement with the Dutch world cup squad to table a £35 million bid for the player who is considered one of Europe’s most deadly attacking forward.

Reus’ credentials as a footballer are intimidating. Last season, the German international scored 23 goals while creating 23 chances in just 42 appearances for Dortmund and that was in a season in which Dortmund were considerably poor. He is able to link up very well with the midfield to create chances and score goals himself. He has long been an asset to his club. For this reason, Jurgen Klopp is said to be determined to keep him but he knows that there is always a limit to how far a manager can go when a good offer comes.

Barcelona are reported to have table a mouth-watering offer and are discussing personal terms with the player who have returned home to nurse his ankle injury sustained in a pre-world cup friendly match. It is understood that the player who has been on United wish list since last summer is open to a move away from Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester United unfortunately may struggle behind Barcelona for the German signature. The club faces a bleak prospect in this battle for some reasons. The prospect of Champions League action with Barcelona is quite tantalizing to many players and Reus is no exception; sadly, United won’t play at that level of football next season. Added to this is the shabby manner United have handled their transfers in the last one year. Ed Woodward appears to be learning the ropes and he hasn’t been a good student so far. United is arguably the English topmost team with the most urgent need for reinforcement and unfortunately, they are lagging far behind others. The club is still struggling with its bid for Luke Shaw! To grab a player of Marco Reus pedigree, it will take high level tenacious negotiations and right now, even the experienced Louis van Gaal is busy elsewhere and unfortunately, the business can’t wait.

Having stated this, United has something that can attract the player and his current club. They certainly can out bid Barcelona who probably need to sell off a few players to fund Reus transfer but United on the other hand already cash starched away for this purpose. If they are ready to out-bid and over pay the player and they do this quick enough, they just might get the player’s signature.

Manchester United’s Likely Line up Next Season

Manchester United and Louis Van Gaal are very big names in the world of football and should be able to attract equally big players from across Europe. Even in the days of Sir Alex Ferguson as manager, there was no doubt about this. However, last season, United couldn’t finish in top four and this means no champions league action for the players. Besides this failing, Manchester United is still many top players’ dream move.

With £200million to spend in the transfer window, United can afford to reinforce and challenge for the title again next season. I believe the mere mention of £200 million which is the amount of money United reportedly have to spend in the summer will get United fans purchasing their Manchester United football tickets instead of abandoning it. You can buy your Manchester United football tickets here.

In this article, we take a look at what United team could be like next season with the inclusion of players whose transfer are realistic at this time.

Goal Keeper

David De Gea is certain to retain his slot as United’s Number next season and for many seasons to come.

Defenders

Left Back: We expect Luke Shaw deal to be completed as soon as a manager takes over at St Mary’s or after the world cup. Patrice Evra is also expected to still to play here as well. Both men are very comfortable with the attacking style of football that Van Gaal plays. Due to Evra’s age, I expect Shaw to start ahead of him many times next season.

Right Back: Rafael should retain his slot but we expect Chris Smalling to feature especially when Rafael picks up knocks which happens frequently anyway. At the moment, United are not targeting any right back which shows that they are satisfied with their options. In addition to Smalling, Jones has often played in this position last season.

Central Defence: We will likely see a defence pairing of Bruno Martins Indi/Hummels and Jonny Evans/Phil Jones. Indi, from media reports appears to be a more realistic target than Hummels at the moment. However, with Van Gaal’s weight, Hummels’ transfer could come through after the world cup. A signing like that of Hummels will surely delight Manchester United season ticket holders and it a signing as such makes a lot of business sense.

Midfield: Van Gaal is unapologetically an apostle of the 4-3-3; he has won matches with this pattern and he certainly will not be hoping to abandon it at Old Trafford.  We expect to see the trio of Bastian Schweinsteiger/Toni Kross, Vidal/Pogba and Janazaj (playing wide). Pep Guardiola has insisted that Thomas Muller will not be sold and I see no reason why they should sell him but I think we have a good chance of signing Bastian and Kroos ifthe reports that Louis Van Gaal is interested in them are actually true.

Attack

With Van Persie upfront, Mata can play from the right and Rooney/Kagawa behind him. Danny Welbeck and Hernandez (if he stays back) can fill up for top striker if and when Van Persie picks up knocks.

Louis Van Gaal's Entrance An Opportunity For Jesse Lindgard?

Over 20 years ago (1991 precisely) a certain young Dutch manager took over the affairs at Amsterdam popular club side Ajax and in the following 6 years the manager Louis Van Gaal went on to mould one of the century finest team winning 3 Dutch titles, 3 European Cups, Intercontinental Cup and went un-beaten in all competition for a whole season. Van Gaal a proponent of Total football philosophy achieved all that relying on the sweat of young talented footballers like Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert and Kanu Nwankwo amongst a host of others. Success at Amsterdam perhaps played a critical role in his continued trust and reliance on young players as he went on to achieve great things years later at Barcelona, AZ- Akamaar and Bayern Munich all adhering to youth and Total Football.

As the new Man United manager his antecedent might spell hope for the young lads of the team particularly Jesse Lindgard, Micheal Keane and even Adnan Januzaj. What is certain is Van Gaal will once again play Total Footballat old Trafford the uncertainty is if he will once again rely on young lads to achieve that; principally a domino effect of the poor season United just had and his own short term ‘fix it’ job of 3 years.

Jesse Lindgard in particular has shown great promise having gone on loan to a number of clubs and doing exceptionally well in his attacking midfield role. Alongside Adnan Januzaj they were the brightest of all United players that went on the 2013/2014 pre- season tour of Asia and America under former manager David Moyes. And these young lads did shine like a million stars.

At 21 years of age, Lingard a graduate of the United football academy though not the finished article yet, he seems to have what it takes to compete at the highest level and without an iota of doubt Lingard will walk into the first 11 of some EPL teams. Van Gaal has a tough call to make as regards this young youth international, whether would he or would he not replicate the Ajax and Bayern Munich  approach is left to be seen, but what is clear is United must not make the Paul Pogba error again or possibly the quest to quickly return United back to winning might make him go the way of the ‘Noisy Neighbours’.

Why United Should Bid For Luis Suarez

No one quite remembers when and where this story slipped out from, but it got a few football fans a shock or a long laugh. Luis Suarez is certainly a quality player and should be in the radar of any top European club. Last season, the Liverpool striker was the highest goal scorer in the Premier League and joint European Golden Boot winner with Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid. He has been prolific on the field and has certainly done himself a lot of good by staying away from controversies which hallmarked his career in the premier league prior to the just concluded premier league season.

It should be no surprise to any football commentator that United is being linked to the Uruguayan striker; from last summer, which European star player hasn’t been linked to United anyway! With reports that Louis Van Gaal, United’s new manager has been handed up to £200 million war chest, every football agent in Europe is probably trying to get his player a chunk of that cash and United are in particularly bad shape now; so much so that they would probably need to buy a whole team.

Speaking seriously though, United is a great club, only dropping from the first place as the richest club in the world last season. The other two top teams in Europe: Barcelona and Real Madrid always have an eye for the best and they always seem to have their way because that’s what it takes to best the best and stay on top. Manchester United should not be different.

United is currently well endowed in attacking options with top qualities like Van Persie, Rooney, Mata, Hernandez and Welbeck. The club’s real needs are midfielders and defenders. But a player like Suarez should be in the best club in England. United must begin to aim for the big ones. Bidding for Suarez this summer will certainly show intent to take on the big stage for United.

The possibility of Manchester United signing Suarez is almost a zero, I don’t think there is anything bad in trying, nonetheless, it would unsettle Liverpool a bit and make the world see United as a giant waking up to assert its status. On paper, Suarez is very unlikely to think about the offer even if United table a £300,000 a week wage before him but no one thought he could consider joining Arsenal last season. He has said he would love to stay at Anfield to play in the Champions League next season and the opportunity has finally come to him; he’s very unlikely to throw that away to join United who in any case won’t be in the Champions League next season but I insist, making an attempt won’t be bad especially if Real Madrid are not keen on him. No one thought Messi will consider joining Manchester City years ago but according to reports, he could have joined them if Barca had agreed to sell him. Who could have thought Monaco will sign Falcao?

United fans should welcome their club’s £75 million bid for Suarez. United could even go further and start a bidding war with Real Madrid who we sure will come Suarez after the world cup.

Luke Shaw or Jordi Alba: Who Should Manchester United Buy?

Speculations in the press (Goal.com) over the weekend that Luis Van Gaal may have asked the United’s management to make new enquiries about Jordi Alba, Barcelona left full back have further heightened fears that the Luke Shaw to Manchester United deal may have hit the rock.

In the drive to strengthen their defence and improve their options of left full backs, United had started the chase of the Southampton lad as early as in the winter window of last season. United, faced with the likely departure of Captain Patrice Evra and the continued inconsistent form of Alex Buttner, had continued to put pressure on the 18 year old England left full back, and encouraged him to ignore interest from other teams notably, Chelsea his childhood team. If reports claiming so are true thats.

United had sustained their determination to sign the player even after the sacking of David Moyes who started the chase. It has been generally reported in the press that Southampton, who recently lost their Argentine manager, Mauricio Pochettino, to Tottenham in May have placed a price tag of £30 million on Shaw while United have lodged a £27 million bid, falling £3 million short of the Saints valuation of the English man. Negotiations are said to have continued even though Ben Smith of the BBCSports understands that a deal will be announced as soon as Southampton sign a new manager. Smith writes “Southampton will not consider allowing any more of their players to leave until a new manager is appointed…England striker Rickie Lambert has already been sold to Liverpool while club captain, Adam Lallana has been the subject of multiple bids from the Anfield club”.

United may have been frustrated in their chase of Shaw and may have opted for Jordi Alba even though “the Red Devils know it will be difficult to lure the Spaniard” (Goal.com) away from Camp Nou. Perhaps, the move is to put some pressure on Shaw and Southampton to get the deal wrapped up in time.

Jordi Alba, the Calatan left full back is also able to play on the left hand side of the midfield. He is also an asset when his team is attacking. Unlike Shaw, he prefers short passes, a style consistent with Barcelona’s brand of football. Alba also shies away from aerial duels. At 21, he still has a whole future ahead of him. Coping with the fast pace of play in the Premier League and with the number of matches can be a big hurdle to getting the best out of him.

The 18 year old Luke Shaw has had an excellent run last season and is still thought to be far from his peak. He is certainly a long term fix to United’s defensive problem in the left back corner with Evra aging and planning to leave. Luke Shaw, who is currently with England’s World Cup squad in Brazil, has the kind of talent that United needs in their attacking style. He is able to initiate a swift attack and has shown all through last season that he can cope with the rigours of the elite league. He almost doubles as a second winger in his team. His dribbling skills and crosses far outwit those of Alba and he has an excellent record on shots on goal. He is however short on number of tackles and interceptions completed per game but definitely better than Jordi Alba in my opinion.

 Whatever United pay to land him will ultimately be worth it considering his age and skill.

Should United Buy Angel Di Maria For £40 million?

Real Madridare reported to have placed a £40 million price tag on Angel Di Maria thus encouraging Manchester United and Arsenal to rekindle interest in their chase to bring the midfielder to the Premier League. But do Manchester United actually need him?

Perhaps the best way to assess the quality of Real Madrid and Argentina’s Angel Di Maria is to begin with Jurgen Klopp’s assessment of him during the group stages of the Champions League last season. He is reported to have said ‘You can’t mark Di Maria’. Commentators at Squawka have also described him as “one of the most underrated player in world football currently”.

The 26 year old attacking midfielder who can also play wide in the flanks has made enormous contributions to the Bernabeu since joining them in 2010. Last season, he got Europe enviable record of 17 league assists and 5 goals in the Champions League; a feat unrivalled in Europe. He has unsurprisingly held his position in the Madrid teamin spite of the coming of Gareth Bale whose playing position seem to clash with his. In addition to his dribbling skills and attacking flair, his ability to run directly at defenders and out run them is perhaps the reason he has been very devastating in attack. He’s fearless and swift in attacking. Although is goal scoring record is abysmally poor, only 4 in 34 games, he has more than make up for this failing by the quality of his passes after long runs right from his own half up to the opponent’s area. His assists records is superb and it is even better when you consider his “second assists” as well.

Would he make a good buy for United and would he fit into the team? Everyone who knows the United team would completely agree that should United pull this transfer through, it would be one of their best buys ranking in value and influence with the transfer of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie. Di Maria is exactly what the Red Devils need at this time.

Even with an avalanche of wingers like Ashley Young, Nani and Valencia, United still lack quality in the flanks. With United’s style of attacks from the wings, the quality of play especially from Young and Valencia last season has been horribly poor. Crosses have always missed their target and the runs have ended poorly. Adnan Yanazaj, still a player of the future, is yet to master the skill of a consummate winger like Di Maria.

Di Maria will add invaluable quality to United’s attack. His tireless runs at defenders will free United’s strikers up front. Another area where Di Maria’s quality will be useful is in his ability to initiate swift counter attack. United has been known for their quick counter attack but that completely disappeared during the Moyes’ era. No player in the squad could hold possession on the counter, this and more Di Maria can do.

Bastian Schweinsteiger : The Perfect Fit For Manchester United's Midfield?

United’s midfield problems have been widely discussed over the last season and sadly, it has become malignant. On taking over Sir Alex Ferguson’s seat, David Moyes identified the midfield as the one area needing immediate overhaul or at least some reinforcement and he wasted no time in snapping up his trusted leg from Everton. Unfortunately, Marouane Fellaini has had a most disappointing first season at United.  With Louis Van Gaal waiting to take over after this summer world cup, it is clear to him as it has been to club supporters that he will have to build a strong midfield of his own; and he’s determined to get it right from the middle.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, the 29 year old German international and Bayern Munich midfielder is the latest midfielder to be linked to United. Graham Hunter, a football commentator has been quoted to have said Pep Guardiola would be willing to sell off Schweinsteiger having considered him too slow and unsuited for his tiki taka style. This is hardly a surprise to many considering the fact that the player didn’t get enough playing time last season.

 Manchester united is Schweinsteiger’s likely destination; Louis Van Gaal had worked with him while he was manager of the Bavarian side and had helped make Schweinsteiger the kind of player that he has become. So certainly, if there is any one manager that knows how to bring the best out of Schweinsteiger, Van Gaal would be the man! At United, he would immediately get the kind of perfect start that many new players dream of.

Beyond the issue of settling down, where would he fit into in United’s midfield? The quartet of Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverly, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick has seen better days and can no longer withstand the creativity and doggedness that most teams of United’s calibre parade in recent times. Schweinsteiger will certainly improve United’s midfield. He may not fit into Guardiola’s style but he is still the all-round, versatile footballer that has earned him a consistent slot in the German national team. He plays in central midfield and can play deep or upfront to support the attack. Unlike some central midfield players, he is not afraid to push upfront and take on defenders. His ability to play in advance position is the key to his suitability for United’s kind of attacking play. He can score goals and take fantastic free kicks. He will also come in handy for United because he is a natural leader on the pitch; able to inspire a tired team to draw on inner strength to overcome opponents.

Unfortunately, at 29, Bastian Schweinsteiger can only be a short term fix for United’s ailing midfield. He is no longer the kind of player he used to be and although he would be a splendid addition to United, it would be very unwise to make him the sole reinforcement in their midfield. In the last four years, he has been plagued by a recurring ankle injury which has slowed him down and should he sustain another ankle injury (which should never be ruled out), United will be back to the David Moyes era. Notwithstanding this flaw, United would have made a big statement if they pull this transfer through.

Why Manchester United Should Not Sign Alvaro Morata

Manchester United strikers Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and the little flea Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez  all had a not too good 2013/2014 season with the four responsible for less than 50 goals in all competition in the course of the season. As a result there is the not so popular perception that Man United needs a new striker to help increase the team’s goal tally. Considering the injury plagued season of its top striker Van Persie, the David Moyes approach and style little surprise is attached to the not so impressive goal return.

Manchester United needs a new striker and out and out traditional No.9 someone to give Van Persie a run for his time. A number of players have been mentioned in connection to making a switch to Old Trafford even lately the sometimes irrepressible Luis Suarez. Perhaps the United forward line needs a player of that magnitude it certainly at this stage do not need a yet to peak striker.

Alvaro Morata once touted to be new golden boy of Real Madrid is an option albeit the wrong option. Morata lack of playing time in Madrid has led to bottled up frustration and he is in need of more playing minutes. Morata might be able to get more playing time in United, however, would he be as prolific as Van Persie? Not certainly in the next one year, what United need is a world Class standard striker in the mould of  Van Persie or better and the temperament and patience of Edin Dzeko, a real competition for the Dutch striker. The option of settling for a Morata might be as good as keeping a Chicharito. Yes Morata Champions league winner, young and full of potential but so is Welbeck (world cup bound).

Morata is full of potential and is yet to reach his best, but what United require is a young or mid age good to go international striker of repute, what United need is a Suarez.

Why Lack Of European Football Won't Affect United Attracting World Class Players

The pinnacle of an European based football player is winning the Champions league, but certainly not all players in Europe will win the coveted trophy irrespective of how talented the players is, a nice example is Ronaldo de Lima whose brilliant career does not include a Champions league winning medal. A whole lot of players will gladly take solace with the Europa cup as compensation. These two trophies are the epitome of a successful football career. As such it makes absolute sense for a top player to naturally want to play for a club that have a chance of winning these trophies or at least will be competing in the two.

Alas there are exceptions to the case; at the height of Christiano Ronaldo’s reign in Manchester United he left for world record transfer to Real Madrid insisting he needed to go for Madrid was his dream club- and that is where lays the answer to the riddle- Ronaldo would have gladly moved to Madrid even if they were not in Europe but because they are simply REAL MADRID and like Real Madrid, Manchester United is in the same class with an ability of to attract some of the players in the world whether in or out of Europe.

Another glowing example can be found right there in the city of Manchester, with City attracting top quality talent due to their interesting project despite having no history of winning laurels. Radamel Falcao moved to Monaco who just gained promotion to the elite division.

Personally, I do not think United will have any problem(s) attracting the sort of players that will return us to glory. Man United will attract the right kind of players due to their history, charm and NAME and with a world class manager in Van Gaal the job just got easier.

5 Players United Are Likely To Sign This Summer

The rebuilding process has  began in Utd, World Cup bound Louis Van Gaal and Utd manager has made his list of needed players available to Old Trafford management with strict instruction – he needs at least four of the targets to be Utd players before the end of the global football showdown in Brazil. The surgery must begin according to Van Gaal at the rear- the defence where two have departed and of those left one is aged past his best and has only one more season.

If feelers from the Utd camp is anything to go by then there are players penciled by the coach we intend to look at.

In the very heart of defence two player were suggested, the highly experienced German Matt Hummels who plies is trade at Borussia Dortmund. Hummels is considered a very top player in his position and he has shown that over and over again in the course of the past season and the German national team. Getting Borussia Dortmund to do a deal on him might be a hard nut as he is under contract till 2017. However, if United wants to get this man a deal needs to be done before the commencement of the World cup in Brazil as his central defence partnership with Jerome Boateng might just incite Bayern Munich to get into the mix.

Jordy Clasie; Little is known about this new generation Dutch midfielder who plays for Feyernord, the word out there is ‘Jordy is the new Xavi’.  Playing alongside Sneijder and De Jong in midfield for the Dutch World Cup bound team, this is one player that Utd has a reasonable chance of signing due to the Van Gaal influence. And like Hummels a deal need to be done before mundial commences if not his value might hit the roof.

Kevin Strootman; another of Van Gaal national team player but unfortunately not World cup bound, this 24 yrs old international is the closest version to Utd ex Captain  Roy Keane. A typical box-box midfielder, member of a dying breed of footballers. We are yet to see if injury will stall Utd move or the dutch man will be dropping his Roman armour for the Devils pitch fork.

Luke ‘wonderkid’ Shaw;  voted the best left wing back in the EPL, this young English teenager would have to fill into the boots of Patrice Evra at Old Trafford supposing the rumours are true. He played alongside Lallana and Ricky Lambert in what was Southampton finest attacking side in over a decade.

Allianz Boys; Allianz Arena the famous ground of Bavaria’s finest club side Bayer Munich is set to lose one or two of their glory boys to Utd , yes of course if the right offers are made, Van Gaal is said to be interested in fellow Dutchman Robben, Germans Mueller, Shweinsteiger and Kroos. Whatever happens Old Trafford would be new home for one of the famous boys of the Allianz Arena.

My Thoughts On the Glazers And Potential Sale Of Manchester United

Sporting franchise owner Malcolm Glazer crossed the Atlantic 9 years ago to make investment in the English game and went for the biggest football team in the world, he landed for himself a sporting cash cow, Manchester United. In the wake of the transaction that saw his family business become the largest shareholding entity in Old Trafford he also threw a hitherto healthy club into heavy debts of over 700M GBP. He heralded an influx of American businessmen going to make investment in the EPL as Liverpool and Aston Villa got taken over by George Gillet & Tom Hicks; and Randy Learner respectively.

The coming of the Glazers was not welcomed by so many Manchester United fans worldwide mainly because a club of Manchester United’s status should not go that way of massive debt, well that notion we share too till the introduction of the Financial Fair Play rule (FFP).

The Glazers are smart business men as evidenced from their successes in sporting franchise over the years and that fact makes it almost impossible for them to allow Manchester United get drowned in debt and eventual demise. No, not the Glazers with their business acumen Manchester United will probably not ever be debt free as long as they remain owners and that is for good financial reasons. However, Manchester United will most likely not run foul of the FFP because simply put ‘smart business men don’t spend money they don’t earn’ and that is what they represent. Under the Glaziers Manchester United has spent just enough to remain competitive, what we would like to refer to as prudence at its best. The cash cow must not die approach to doing business.

The club is estimated to have approximately 10% of the World’s population as its fans and that is definitely an enormous target market. The Glaziers need to remain in United for longevity of the club and should ignore short term success or worst sell to another Glazier like mind business men. With the advent of the oil rich tycoon in the EPL there was huge expectation in some section of Manchester United faithfuls who want the club to be bought over by oil tycoons. That in itself might bring on field success but net profitability of the club might also dwindle as evidenced by clubs being run by oil tycoons in Europe .

The Glazers has done well for Manchester United and should naturally continue we think or return the club back to the people through the stock market.

Why United Must Buy Luke Shaw

Not a lot of teenagers grace the Mundial , the few that have done have gone on to have exceptional careers. Micheal Owen, Samuel Eto’o Fils and the great Pele are just some of this rare breed of youngsters. This year in faraway Brazil another youngster in the person of Luke Shaw will join the exclusive group of talents to play at the world cup. At 19,Shaw the Southampton player and Man United target will be lacing his boots to represent England at the once in four years football competition.

To think that Roy Hodgson of England has chosen to put his faith in a 19 yrs old as against the highly experienced and talented Ashley Cole says a lot about this wonder kid from Southampton. Little wonder Manchester United is in the forefront of signing the young lad to share left wingback duties with Patrice Evra. How good is Shaw and why does United want him?

Luke Shaw was voted in the EPL team of the year playing for mid-table team Southampton in a league that boasts of Kolarov (Man City), Cole (Chelsea), Evra ( Man United) and even the highly rated Baines (Everton). Being the best left wing back in the country says a lot about his abilities as a teenager. On the other hand United is still adjusting to life after SAF a situation that has forced management to bring in the great Dutch tactician in Loius Van Gaal. The most important of the Van Gaal agenda is to rebuild the team and that is where signing of Luke Shaw has become paramount.

Evra has an additional year to go at old Trafford and with the possible arrival of Shaw at the beginning of next season will allow a seamless exchange of baton at the wing back position. He is a perfect fit to eventually replace Evra. He is English, has played in the EPL means he would not suffer a culture shock and adaptation to the pace of the EPL and more importantly by the time the 2014/2015 EPL season kicks off in August he would have had the wonderful experience of playing at the highest level being the World Cup and with so many years of football still left in him.

The deal to bring Shaw to United is still being kept under wrap but rumour has it that Shaw has been shopping for a house around the Manchester end of the country.

On paper the young man represents value for money and who knows he could just go on to eclipse the great Dennis Irwin as United finest left wingback of the past 50 years.

Written By Tega Ogaga