Fraizer Campbell Is a Talent—Manchester United Don’t Need to Buy a Striker

After a tremendously successful season last year for Manchester United, in which the Red Devils won both the Premiership title for the second consecutive season and the Champions League, many expected Sir Alex to strengthen his squad even further in the transfer season.

But that has not been the case so far at all.

With United being tipped to add another striker to their ranks, numerous names have been tossed around in the media. The likes of Klass-Jan Huntelaar of Ajax, Luis Fabiano from Sevilla, Roque Santa Cruz for Blackburn, and Barcelona’s Thierry Henry have all been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford at some point.

No player, however, has been linked with a move to United more so than Tottenham’s Dimitar Berbatov. At one point Ferguson even claimed he was "confident" the deal for Berbatov would be complete before the end of United’s preseason tour of South Africa.

A deal for Berbatov doesn’t look so likely anymore though.

But can I ask a question? Why is Manchester United searching far and wide for a striker, when right under their noses stands one of the best young strikers in the country?

He’s fast and has quick feet, he’s tall and is good in the air, he’s athletic, is a great finisher, and he recently helped Hull win promotion to the Premiership. His name is Fraizer Campbell.

Campbell has good pace and strength, and is capable of poaching goals and creating them himself through his speed and skill. He’s also a very determined striker, which is another reason he was intent on leading Hull to promotion.

Campbell might have only two competitive appearances under his belt for United, but the former Academy and Reserve striker has shown during preseason that he has what it takes to succeed.

Nicknamed "Super Campbell" while on loan in Belgium for his goal-scoring prowess, I wouldn’t be surprised if Manchester United fans were soon calling him by the same nickname.

Why should United spend big on another striker when they already have this gem of their own? Ferguson has rejected Hull’s attempts to bring Campbell back to KC Stadium for another season, meaning he must see a future for Campbell at Old Trafford.

But here’s the problem: If United sign a striker before the new season, Campbell will instantly drop to fourth in the pecking order, behind Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, and whoever the other striker United might sign is (Louis Saha is almost certainly leaving).

Campbell, already such a promising and talented youngster, will then do nothing more than sit on the bench and make late substitute appearances every now and then. It will be a waste of Campbell's abilities.

On the other hand, if United don’t sign a striker before the new season, Campbell will be involved just as much as he was for Hull. And with Rooney set to miss the start of the season due to a virus, Campbell will have the chance to shine in the early stages of the season, and possibly be able to earn a place in United’s first team for good.

Look at Anderson last season. The young Brazilian rarely played and people began wondering if he was worth the money United spent on him. Then Paul Scholes got injured and Anderson was immediately thrown into the mix.

A few weeks later United fans were singing his praises at every match.

The same thing could happen with Fraizer, IF Manchester United don’t buy a striker. Save the £25 million it would cost to buy Berbatov and sit back and watch one of the most promising youngsters at United prove my point that Manchester United DON’T need to buy a striker.