Manchester United: Gaitan Deal Nearing Completion for the Red Devils

It has been reported today that a deal for the Argentinian midfielder Nicolas Gaitan of Benfica has been struck between United and the Portuguese side.

Allegedly, as part of the deal, Fabio is to go out on loan for a season, and Federico Macheda is to be exchanged on a permanent basis.

On top of this, United are expected to fork out another £20 million or more for the man who helped send them crashing out of the Champions League earlier this season.

This is all subject to change and is admittedly at this point in time no more than just very strong hearsay.

However, if United do managed to snap up the young man from Buenos Aires, what will he bring to the side?

The answer is a more solid central midfield, that also provides a clear sense of attacking prowess.

Gaitan would be filling the void that will inevitably be left when Paul Scholes retires (again), but is versatile enough to play out on the left wing if required.

Admittedly, with three players already battling it out for the two wider positions that is somewhat unlikely.

Whatever the case, Fergie has finally answered the United fan's pleas of the last three seasons and snapped up a fantastic, creative central midfielder.

But what about the players moving the other way?

Fabio is a very gifted young footballer, but much like his brother Rafael, lacks the temperament and footballing experience to always make the right decision in a game.

This is as a result of a lack of first team football.

Going out on loan to a club where he should realistically be one of the best players gives Fabio the chance to handle pressure, learn from mistakes and hone his skills in order that they reach their full potential.

As for Macheda, when he burst onto the scene with a wonder goal in a 3-2 victory against Aston Villa three years ago, things looked extremely bright for the young Italian.

Since then, Macheda has struggled to make even the bench at United, and having been sent out on loan to relegation candidates Queens Park Rangers, rarely makes a start.

Moving to a club in a country that perhaps suites his style of football more than English football will give Macheda a real chance to become the great player we all expected him to be.

Macheda's future may not lie with United, but this is probably the best option for him right now.

As for Gaitan, the pressure is now on to see if he can follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, by making a successful move from the Portuguese League to England.

Who knows, perhaps he will be the next cult hero of Old Trafford?