We are all going bonkers in the nut waiting for news and trying to figure out who will be coming into our beloved teams before the season starts. The best-case scenarios involve superstars deciding that money doesn’t matter and coming to rain soaked parts of the world to fulfil footballing ambitions. The worst case scenarios generally involve complete stagnation – no incomers to get excited about and apprehension about the shortcomings in the side.
Last season Manchester United fans were treated to RvP and Shinji Kagawa – a top quality purchase that didn’t disappoint and another classy performer who will surely improve year on year. But, in order for Manchester United to keep adding numbers, they will surely need to let a few go from their burgeoning squad this summer. Let’s have a look at the possible contenders:
Nani
Still only 26 and still has superb skill and incomparable pace from a standing start. But he just doesn’t seem to have matured in the way that everyone hoped. Has there ever been a more frustrating player to wear The Red of Manchester United? A looser cannon (King Eric doesn’t count)? But the most annoying thing is, the penny might well drop when he leaves and Manchester United fans will have have to watch him finally reach his dazzling potential elsewhere. Juventus and Arsenal are amongst this reported suitors.
Approx Value: £10m
Anderson
AnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnDerrrrrrrrrrrr son son son son son son son (repeated)- has a better football song ever been penned? Like the chant, Anderson’s presence has been fun but perhaps a little dodgy, since he joined Manchester United back in 2007. He has of course had his moments, like when he figuratively defecated on Fabregas, several years ago. He also scored a crucial pen when United beat Chelsea in The Champions League Final 2008. But, like Nani, Anderson has never quite reached his potential. A great run before a mis-placed pass, or a terrible clearance of a shot with the goal gaping. Manchester United fans love him because he gives the impression of someone with passion for the cause. But, now may well be the time to part company and look elsewhere.
Approx Value: £7m
Anders Lindegaard
He started his career at United well enough, even keeping the brilliant De Gea out of the team for a time. But his head went during a terrible performance against Reading and he never got a sniff after that. With only Ben Amos left to call on in reserve, United would probably need to purchase another back up keeper if Lindegaard was moved on. This may lend the Dane a stay of execution.
Approx Value: £1.5m
Alex Buttner
The left-back draws polemic responses from the fans. Some think that his sense of adventure and dynamism is perfect for Manchester United and see him as the successor to the wonderful Patrice Evra. soccersweep thinks that while Buttner has his moments going forward, he can look completely out of his depth at the top level in terms of defending and positioning when the opposition has the ball. Evra is even better than the brilliant Denis Irwin and finding an eventual replacement is going to be a nightmare. But we don’t think that United have found the answer in Buttner and the returning Fabio is a much better understudy for the sublime Frenchman.
Approx value: £3m
Ashley Young
He’s only been at the club for 2 years and many still have faith in his ability to become a player of true United quality. But we still need a lot of convincing. If the only criteria for being a top player was athleticism and durability then he would be amongst the best – Young clearly looks after himself and has great commitment and professionalism. But he doesn’t seem to have the wizardry to be a top United winger. We can’t remember too many occasions when he has beaten his man and he doesn’t seem to have the guile or raw skill to flummox the opposition. For us, he’s even more frustrating a player than Nani, who at least tries to scare the opposition. We think that you are much more likely to see Young make a back pass than slalom down the line, beating a couple of men before pinging in a beauty of a cross from the left. We think United would do well to get rid now while they can get decent money for him. Clear the decks for a naturally left-footed winger who can bring the Manchester United crowd to its feet on a reg. One name immediately springs to mind…..
Approx Value: £9m
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Fidel
Jun 21, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Antonio Valencia should be d 1st player 2leave Old traford dis summer!