Transfer News: Manchester United needs to plan early if…

The summer transfer window is now firmly shut. With the fiasco over the transfer activities by David Moyes and his sidekicks – Ed Woodward, Manchester United has – according to sources – started their transfer planning for the incoming transfer window – in the winter. Among those linked were Christian Benteke, Fabio Coentrao and Ander Herrera.
At any top organizations, mistakes are rarely repeated, if any second chance will be like hitting a jackpot. After the farce of the deadline transfer, Manchester United’s fans can be assured that the Glaziers are sitting right up taking notice. United, one of the biggest football clubs as well as one of the biggest brands in the world had ‘performed’ miserably in the part of football not play on the pitch. Despite repeated claim of funds available to spend – on marquee signing, United end up with only Marouane Fellaini and in the process seen other targets giving Old Trafford the miss.

 

With midfield being the priority area that needs strengthening, Manchester United fans could see David Moyes returning for Anders Herrera and every United fans will be hoping that lessons are learnt. The interest in Cristian Benteke and Fabio Coentrao however is confusing for certain sections of United’s supporters. Benteke, being young and highly rated is a good option but United also has Javier Hernandez – besides the trio of forward who can play in the striking position – Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck. There are even Fredrico Macheda and Jesse Lingard in the reserve. David Moyes must give these youngsters chance to impress in the first team and bringing in Benteke, especially in January may not seems like a good strategy.

 

Meanwhile the search for a leftback as ongoing replacement process for Patrice Evra continues with Fabio Coentrao being linked – after the failed loan move on transfer deadline day. Despite being frozen out of first team Coentrao had insisted that Real Madrid is the best club in the world and he is willing to stay to fight for his place. With that in mind, David Moyes must have known something most United’s fans do not. Why go after a player not willing to move to Old Trafford? Had they (Moyes and Woodward) not learnt from the Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas’ lessons? Leighton Baines could possibly stay at Goodison Park if a new contract is being offer to him. A logical target would be Like Shaw of Southampton which United had been scouting for a while now. Or how about giving Alexander Buttner and Fabio da Silva opportunities to prove themselves?

 

Going after midfielder Ander Herrera would be tough if David Moyes and Ed Woodward continue to count the ‘cents instead of dollar’. Manchester United is reportedly not willing to pay the release clause to trigger a transfer from Athletic Bilbao. If that is the case it might be best to forget going to all the effort of trying to sign him in the first place. The time and effort could goes to securing a more likely target.

 

As far as securing another midfielder is concern, the performance of Maruoane Fellaini in these few months will be critical as a yardstick to see whether United really needs another midfielder. Cesc Fabregas has been continuously link but unless he (Fabregas) wants the move then it is yet another pointless effort. If Fellaini does proves his worth then Moyes could be better off working with the existing squad and at the same time allow youngsters from the reserve and youth ranks to move up. As most football fans know, the winter transfer is always difficult especially trying to sign marquee player – as most will be cup-tied for European competitions. Manchester United must do better this time in the transfer market!