The window hasn’t been closed for long but already speculation is beginning to intensify about Manchester United’s next player investment.
The name on the lips of many is Kevin Strootman from Roma. United possibly still require a midfield powerhouse and Strootman looks like the obvious choice having been such an integral part of Louis van Gaal’s plans as Holland manager.
The defence will also need a tweak and reports today suggest that United may go for Dani Alves of Barcelona.
The 31-year-old may soon be dropping down the pecking order at Barca as they look for alternatives in the long term, with Juan Cuadrado one mooted target and young Brazilian Douglas already signed.
But quite why United would want Alves is up for debate.
Rafael Da Silva is the only specialised right back that Manchester United currently possess. But, with the wingback system kicking in, more attacking players will possibly be required for that role.
Dani Alves would of course fit beautifully into the wingback system but, at his age, Manchester United would surely be better off sticking with the likes of Rafael Da Silva and possibly bringing in another youngster.
Phil Jones can also do a job on the right if United reverted to a 4-3-3. And we also think that Angel di Maria could well be used as a right wingback, particularly if Luke Shaw impresses on the left.
So whilst Alves is clearly a top player who still has fuel in the tank, we think that he’s an expensive foreign import which Manchester United don’t particularly need.
Let’s take a look at him in action. United fans: keen?
