In a month or so transfer specco is going to be reaching fever pitch as the winter window countdown begins.
After such massive summer investment Manchester United’s next window should be much calmer. But expect there to be a huge amount of rumour – mainly because Manchester United are still work in progress and need further signings.
The areas of continued concern are in central midfield and central defence. And there is tabloid talk today about various defensive solutions. One report suggests that Manchester United may re-sign Ryan Shawcross from Stoke:
Manchester United are considering re-signing Stoke captain and centre-half Ryan Shawcross, 27, who came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford. (Daily Star)
Another report suggests that Manchester United will have to fork out £12m for Ron Vlaar. Meanwhile the Mats Hummels story drags on regardless of any utterances from the man himself.
We think that if LvG wanted Vlaar he probably would have snapped him up by now. The boss is so sure of himself that we think he would have taken the plunge on his countryman a few months back if he liked the cut of his jib.
As for Shawcross, it’s an interesting story. The player has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford before due to the consistency of his performances in The Premier League.
You do wonder, for all his qualities, whether the lad has the requisite technique to compete in The Champions League on a regular basis. The two centre backs who LvG has been most strongly linked with, Hummels and Vermaelen, are both ball players who have great distribution. Shawcross is strong, authoritative and mobile but does he have the feet for the job?
Football Manager
Oct 21, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Hummels would be a great signing for United. Not sure on Shawcross though.