Transfer News: Kagawa, Valencia Out?

With the winter transfer window fast approaching, Manchester United – after the debacle of the summer transfer – has been continuingly linked with various players, the latest being a swap deal involving Leighton Baines and Antonio Valencia. The other swap deal circulating in the rumors mills is Shinji Kagawa and Borussia Dortmund’s Neven Subotic.
If these rumours turn out to be true it would cause an upheaval among Manchester United’s fans. Shinji Kagawa for one is a fans’ favourite, a player who is always seems polite and ‘fuss free’, one that does not sulk when not selected, and one that always prefer diplomacy rather than ‘airing dirty line in public; type. Despite being hampered by injuries during his debut season Kagawa had shown that he is as good or can be better – as an attacker, a creative source United badly needed. His hat-tricks against Norwich showed how good he can be as a No 10. Despite not playing in his favoured position most of the time – was instead position at the left flank – Kagawa has proven his worth. Why would Sir Alex Ferguson spend £17 million to acquired his services and played him ahead of Wayne Rooney on several occasions if Kagawa is seen as a commercial signing only? Could the rumors that - David Moyes simply does not fancy Kagawa or the controversial theory that race play an issue here – be the reason (s) behind Kagawa’s struggle for game time? Whichever reasons for Moyes not using Kagawa are puzzling as United clearly needs that source of creativity – as evident this season where midfielders had looked lost/ indecisive when possessing the ball..

 

Antonio Valencia while being considered too one dimensional can produce scintillating performances, depending on the type of oppositions. Valencia however, is considered too inconsistent in many fans’ point of view. At best Valencia is a good option for the right flank, can even deputized as a rightback. Strength and speed are his weapons but inability to cut infield to produce more attacking threats, as well as inflexibility to switch flanks, makes him too one dimensional. At best Valencia will still be useful depending on who United face and at best Valencia will be an important squad member.

 

To swap Shinji Kagawa for a defender when Manchester United has Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic – with capable partners between Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones (all are internationals) is certainly not a sensible move, especially given Kagawa’s quality. To swap Antonio Valencia for Leighton Baines make more sense – to provide competition for Patrice Evra. But Baines could be overpriced as Everton is more keen on retaining his services – and United or Moyes should learn their lessons with Marouane Fellaini’s transfer. Not only United overpaid for Fellaini, it is also proven that not all players can come in and do the Robin Van Persie – to slot in effortlessly. Bear in mind too that Fellaini is considerably young and with time on his side he might just become one of United’s unsung hero. Baines on the other hand – should he fail to adapt to United’s way of playing – could spell an end to his hopes of becoming a world class leftback, given his age.

 

These two rumored swap deals does not makes a lot of sense to Manchester United supporters, especially if it happens during the winter transfer window. Let’s hope Ed Woodward and David Moyes apply good footballing sense when comes to making the squad stronger. At best they (Woodward and Moyes) can always turn to their predecessors (David Gill and Alex Ferguson) for some good old fashion sensible advice!