Manchester United look to have turned a corner under the stupendous Louis van Gaal but there remain problem areas in a team which is still a work in progress.
Regular readers will now that we are big fans of Rafael da Silva and think he’s good enough for Manchester United’s right flank.
But, considering he is so often injured, this too could be regarded as one of the problem areas.
Latest tabloid reports suggest that Manchester United will attempt to force a move for Barcelona legend Dani Alves in the winter window. The Express reports:
Man Utd to force through Dani Alves transfer in January
DANI ALVES has once again been linked to a move to Manchester United as manager Louis van Gaal prepares to spend big in January.
We are all for the spending of big bucks on exciting names. But the recent rumours of massive investment in players like Alves and Robben seems like imprudent business.
LvG will probably only be at Manchester United for three years. But we are assuming that a man of his stature and professional pride will be thinking more long term regardless. He will not only want to rebuild the empire in his time at the club but also leave a lasting legacy.
It could be argued that signing players like Alves and Robben would simply provide a stepping stone to greater things. Not so for us. We see it as a lazy and flagrant misuse of company funds.
Surely the scouting network at Manchester United is sophisticated enough to come up with better investments than Arjen Robben and Dani Alves? If they really are the names that have been suggested as solutions then we are concerned that Manchester United aren’t considering the longer term future of the club.
We are guessing that Alves and Robben would cost the club anywhere between £60m and £100m when all is said and done – there would be no sell on value for either.
In truth, we think that fans would much rather the kitty be spent on brilliant youngsters like Nathaniel Clyne and Memphis Depay – players who can grow into their roles and offer long term service to the club.
We think Louis is a genius but our perception of him would certainly be tainted if he started signing expensive veterans.
Let’s see Alves in action. Manchester United fans: any sense in signing golden oldies?
