Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Targets That Sir Alex Must Avoid at All Costs

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After finishing second in the Premier League, Manchester United will be looking to retool during the transfer window.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson must target players who will be able to mesh with his already skilled lineup.

If he can find the right young pieces, at the right price, the combination could be a match made in heaven.

But if Ferguson makes the mistake of targeting the wrong players, United fans could be up in arms.

After former transfer flops, such as Juan Sebastian Veron in 2001, Ferguson would be smart to stay away from these players.

Luka Modric

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Modric has been on United’s radar and with Ferguson looking to solidify the midfield, a Modric transfer could make sense.

Nonetheless, the fee simply can’t be justified.

Modric is a fine player, but he isn’t worth his £40 million tag.

Even if United got the asking price lowered, Modric would not be United’s long-term answer at midfield.

By the time he got to Old Trafford, he would be 27.

Furthermore, Modric finished last season with a meager four goals and four assists in 36 matches played.

United would be smarter to target a younger player at a more affordable price.

Modric simply isn’t worth the investment.

Clint Dempsey

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After he finished last season ranked third in goals with Fulham, Dempsey has been mentioned as a possible target for Manchester United.

United could get the midfielder rather cheap, in the neighborhood of £10 million, and he has proven he is a prolific goal scorer.

But Dempsey is already 29 years old and with Fergie’s infatuation with youthful talent, Dempsey just does not fit.

Furthermore, there are still questions if Dempsey could mimic his success on the highest stage at Old Trafford.

He had a successful 2011 campaign with Fulham, but starting for the juggernaut of the Premier League may be too big of a hurdle for Dempsey.

Leighton Baines

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Although Baines was honored when he was linked to Manchester United, a deal for Baines simply would not be wise.

The case against Baines revolves around his transfer price and the other options available.

Baines, who will be 28 in December, will reportedly cost United £20 million, a price Sir Alex was not happy about.

Although Ferguson is seeking another left-back, Baines is simply not the answer.

Sir Alex would be wise to target a cheaper and younger alternative, such as Jordi Alba.

Alba would cost around £8 million and he is only 23 years old.

Barcelona is also in the running for Alba, and that alone could raise the price for his services.

Nonetheless, United would be smart to target Alba instead of Baines.

Jack Butland

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In April, Ferguson was reportedly interested in Butland as a backup for keeper David De Gea.

Butland would be a cheap alternative for the club, but they don’t need him.

With 21-year-old De Gea already starting in the goal, United seems as if they already have a solid plethora of keepers at their disposal.

With De Gea averaging a solid one-goal-allowed per match, the need for Butland simply isn’t there.

Furthermore, the depth at the keeper position is such that a Butland move might only stunt the progress of the other keepers waiting in the wings.

With second option Anders Lindegaard performing well in limited minutes (four goals allowed in eight matches), Butland would not have a role on United’s roster.

Rather than wasting money on another keeper, Ferguson would be smart to pursue more stability in the midfield.