If rumours are correct, perhaps there is a glimmer of hope for Manchester United’s deficient midfield next season.
The Daily Express says that Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is unimpressed by these “rumours”, and wishes to speak with those players who are thought to fancy bailing on the German giants.
Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos’ circumstance at the club is becoming more uncertain. The Mirror have suggested the Red Devils might pay up to £40m for him.
Previously, Bayern president Uli Hoeness indicated that the 24 year old would not be leaving Bayern for the foreseeable future, suggesting any hope of Kroos at Old Trafford next season to be extinguished.
However, coach Pep Guardiola has given the United board some faith in landing a player the next MUFC boss considers being the new anchor of his midfield. Guardiola is quoted as saying:
…we will do everything we can to keep Toni here, but it depends on Toni himself, he is a young man, it is his decision.”
Statements only revel so much behind a clubs decision to sell or retain a player, especially with the talent of Kroos. Regardless of Bayern’s ambiguity on Kroos’s future, the next United coach needs to ensure he can do all in his power to sign Kroos and begin the mammoth task of rebuilding United.
Ball retention and Passing
The recent Champions League tie between Bayern and Arsenal at the Emirates demonstrated the passing ability of Kroos and also his capacity in holding onto the ball under pressure.
Managers across Europe may well have required a newborns dribbler watching the game such was the control he assumed in midfield.
It is a stark contrast to United’s midfield this season where Carrick, Cleverley Fletcher and Co has failed to dictate any tempo in attack.
Ball retention is something Moyes must have either completely given up drawing on flip charts inside Carrington’s Training Centre, or never used.
With Kroos’s arrival it would be thoughtless to imply that one player can transform a stuttering assembly of players into the fluid tic – tac passing outfit , however it can, and would , improve matters in that department.
Set Pieces
So often Manchester United’s set pieces is led by Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie, free kicks from non goal scoring positions or corners, both strikers deliver balls into the box where in essence; they should be.
Kroos is adequately capable of delivering set pieces as precise as Rooney or RVP – possibly to a greater ratio of goals per set piece. Having Rooney and RVP in a system of Kroos delivering set pieces United could replenish an area of their game which has taking a battering over the last six months or so.
Spirit and Morale
Despite Kroos talent on the pitch and the outstanding potential he may bring to United, it is the intangible effect of such a move can have.
Strength of mind and fortitude has been two characteristics that have been levelled towards United’s demise this year, the arrival of one of Europe’s best midfielder would inject much needed energy vigour and renewed optimism for United.