http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2LY8XGmKmM
Whilst Tom Cleverley continues to emerge, Giggs and Scholes role back the years and Carrick is playing some of his most consistent football, the feeling remains that Manchester United need to strengthen in midfield come the end of the season.
Some would say that United require a new holding player in there but most think that it’s a creator that United need most to replace the autumnal Giggs and Scholes. There is an unofficial shortlist of players who fans believe can fill the void and become the new heartbeat of the side. That shortlist includes Wesley Snejider, Luka Modric, Eden Hazard and Nicolas Gaitan (who may be bought as a winger anyway). A slightly less mooted potential target is Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund.
At 21 Gotze looks like a player on the up and speculation today alludes to the idea of Arsene Wenger being interested in his services. Although the Arsenal boss loves a young signing, it’s been a while since The Gunners paid the sort of transfer fee that would probably be needed to snare the German from his current club. We are likely to be talking £30m plus, such is the hype surrounding the player.
United have also been comparatively frugal in the transfer market of late. They did spend £45-60m in the close season on Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David De Gea but the last time United spent over £25m on a player was with the purchase of Dimitar Berbatov. Some would argue that Fergie had his fingers burnt there and may be weary about spending such money on an individual again. Others reckon the Glazers have nicked all the dosh. If you do believe however that there is money in the kitty, it’s more likely that the Scot just hasn’t found someone worth spending that sort of money on.
Gotze is getting a lot of press and this may well inflate his price beyond what Fergie considers value for money. He is already more than just one for the future though. He has put in a number of commanding, mature performances for his club and has already become central to their team. He has great balance, obvious vision and can play down the right or through the centre. He scores goals and loves a dribble. Time will tell whether Gotze can truly be regarded as a top talent or just another flash in the pan but the German looks set to be tested in a top league in the next year or so.
