There seems to be a growing consensus in the media that Manchester United have all but completed the signing of Argentine winger Nicolas Gaitan from Benfica. Much of this speculation also suggests that Federico Macheda and Fabio Da Silva will head in the opposite direction as part of the deal. While Macheda’s exit will be permanent, Fabio will go on a season long loan to gain first team experience.
While twin brother Rafael has had a good run at the right back spot in the last couple of years, the continued presence of stalwart Patrice Evra on the left has limited Fabio’s involvement in first team affairs. He did start The Champions League final on the right, but others have since taken turns to fill that role for the club. For my money, Fabio is certainly a future star of Manchester United but Fergie obviously believes that he needs more game time whilst Evra enjoys his autumn years in the side.
The big question, if Fabio does leave temporarily is, who will provide cover for Evra on the left next season? Giggs has played there a few times and the cavalier in Sir Alex might also be tempted throw Ashley Young in there in emergencies. United also have Ezekiel Fryers, but he doesn’t look good enough yet. So, if United don’t go into the transfer market, they might well find themselves short on the left if Evra does get hurt.
But perhaps a more permanent option might already be wearing the red of the club.
When Anderson arrived at Manchester United nearly five years ago he surprised many, who thought he had been bought as an attacking midfielder, by stating
“….my favourite position is left-back in a 4-4-2 formation, the position of Roberto Carlos, and I’ve already played there for Brazil.”
Despite burning brightly at times, injury and sporadic form have stunted Anderson’s career as a midfielder at Manchester United and many onlookers still have serious concerns about whether he will make the grade in the long term. With other midfield purchases clearly on the horizon at the club, perhaps Anderson could be the long term solution for the ageing Patrice Evra. He’s athletic, dynamic, quick and loves to run with the ball. Perhaps he lacks the vision to be a really world-class central midfielder but he does have undoubted quality, guts and character – virtues that are highly regarded at Old Trafford.
So perhaps Anderson’s favourite position might also turn out to be his best.
Do you think that Fergie could play Anderson at left-back?
