A lot has been made of the rubble floating around the Manchester United squad this season, and pundits and fans alike have weighed in with their suggestions as to who David Moyes should flog if he is to keep his new side from drifting away from Champions League qualification. Robbie Savage went as far as claiming Moyes should dispose of a dozen good-for-nothing players, although his reasons were typically futile.
Whilst others deliberate who should be shown the Old Trafford exit door, I have my tuppence worth as to who Moyes should bring in this January.
1. Leighton Baines – Everton
There is currently talk that England international and Beatles lookalike Leighton Baines will extend his contract with Everton, which would void any attempts made by Moyes to reunite himself with the trusty left-back. It appears United have already quelled their interest in the 29-year old in favour of Real Madrid outcast Fabio Coentrao, but until Baines puts pen-to-paper once more, nothing is certain.
Apart from the fact that he would be a superb replacement for Patrice Evra, that is. The Frenchman has looked unusually out of his depth this season in a United side who have struggled to discover the belief and unity that made them so formidable under Sir Alex Ferguson. A quick, skillful winger has always caused Evra problems, but his uncertainty has been highlighted even more so this season due to United’s dire home form. At 32, Evra may be over the hill, and with Alexander Buttner proving to be a less than competent backup, Baines would be the ideal choice to step into his shoes.
2. Wesley Sneijder – Galatasaray
Attempts were made to entice Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder to the Theatre of Dreams before he eventually signed on at Turkish giants Galatasaray in January last year. Questions were raised over the motives of Sneijder’s move to Turkey, although they were quickly dispelled when everybody remembered what Gala could offer him; a lot of money.
Nevertheless, almost exactly a year on and there has been murmurs that the 29-year old could be tempted by a move to England, and United would be the perfect destination. With his reluctance to play Shinji Kagawa, Moyes lacks a creative spark in midfield, only provided by Wayne Rooney when he drops deep enough into the midfield to influence the game. But the presence of a player of Sneijder’s ilk would allow Rooney to concentrate on scoring goals, and would be the perfect tonic for a side who are constantly struggling to carve out goal-scoring opportunities.
3. Claudio Marchisio – Juventus
The gin to Sneijder’s tonic would be Claudio Marchisio, an energetic, hard-working central midfielder who is capable of both bursting forward to supply and score goals, and chase back to break up opposition attacks.
Marchisio is a clear target for United, made evident by Moyes’ recent forage into Europe to watch the Italy international in action against Cagliari. Marchisio’s versatility would work perfectly in a midfield three, with Sneijder given the freedom to roam around the offensive third, supported by Marchisio, whilst the 27-year old also has the discipline and fitness to operate defensively, alongside a third midfielder. Marchisio’s simple passing game would also be a breath of fresh air, given the likes of Tom Cleverley and Marouane Fellaini aren’t blessed with a huge amount of ability in that respect.
It’s likely that Marchisio would cost United upwards of £20mill, but it would be a sound investment on a player who would surely give the team a more combative and creative edge in the centre of the park.
4. Ezequiel Garay – Benfica
Drunk streakers appear more regularly on the football pitch than Rio Ferdinand these days, a sign that his star has finally faded. What’s more, Nemanja Vidic has proven himself to be extremely injury prone, meaning United are left without two key defenders. Therefore, signing a central defender must be a priority for Moyes, and Argentina international Ezequiel Garay would be a super addition.
Garay stands tall at 6ft4in, possesses great strength and comes with all the flair you would expect from a South American footballer. United need a ball-player in defence to compliment Jonny Evans, Phil Jones or Chris Smalling, and Benfica’s Garay has shown himself to be efficient technically, as well as defensively. He was key in ensuring Benfica escaped the Nou Camp with a 0-0 draw in the 2012/13 Champions League group stage, and he’s drawn plaudits from across Europe for his performances this season too. He remains on Moyes’ wishlist but would cost United upwards of £25million to acquire his services.
5. Seamus Coleman – Everton
If left-back is seen as a problem area at United, so too should the opposite flank. Rafael is the only out-and-out right-back United possess, and Moyes often finds himself required to operate Smalling or Jones out of position. Seamus Coleman, therefore, would be a welcome sight in a Red shirt.
The Republic of Ireland international has enjoyed a stellar season for Everton, displaying all the attributes that have converted him into one of the Premier League’s best full-backs. Marauding runs, simple passing, wicked crosses and the odd moment of goalscoring brilliance make him an attacking delight, although he isn’t so convincing defensively, as is the norm with modern-day full-backs. Nevertheless, under the guidance of a manager who gave him his big break, and with the organisational skills of an experienced defence, Coleman may go a long way towards following in Gary Neville’s footsteps.
By George Curtis
@curtisofgeorge