There is of course the small matter of a North London derby at 4pm this afternoon. But even a fixture of this size can’t muscle in on the big one. Manchester United vs Liverpool is, for our money, still the biggest draw on the English Premier League calendar – indeed, with Brendan Rodgers making Liverpool competitive again this fixture can only gain profile over the next few seasons – unless Manchester United continue on their unusual current trajectory.
Manchester United will fight tooth and nail in the remaining games but their season does look set for disappointment. They can still have a valiant run in Europe but a fourth placed finish looks very distant at this point. But if Liverpool and Arsenal lose today the picture looks different again.
Regardless, Manchester United and David Moyes will look to the summer as the critical time for the club to strengthen, then go again with renewed blood and vigour in August.
Manchester United’s reported targets have been well scrutinised by the press but a new name has been thrown into the hat in the run up tot the big one. The Daily Star reports this morning:
United made another check on Arsenal’s £37million target in Schalke’s 2-1 win in Augsburg on Friday night.
Midfielder Draxler, 20, gave an eye-catching performance to underline his exciting potential.
United boss David Moyes has identified Germany as the place to recruit midfield talent.
In addition to Draxler, United are in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan.
In truth we think that Arsenal may have missed their chance with this kid. They were linked with a bid in the winter window but apparently wouldn’t pay the reported release clause of £37m.
With the elite clubs always on the look out for top talent another club may well steal a march on this transfer come the summer. Because Draxler is clearly going to be yet another top midfielder from this golden generation of German players. You could pretty much play him anywhere across the midfield or front line, such his his natural talent and understanding of the game – at just 20 years of age this guy has already played 138 times for Schalke (26 goals) and represented Germany on ten occasions.
Let’s see the lad in action.
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