Why Manchester United Must Spend Big on Marquee Signings to Succeed Next Season

Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United have been continuously praised for employing a philosophy that provides an exciting blend of youth and experience—dynamic youngsters coupled with world-class seasoned veterans. While this philosophy has bore a lot of fruits over the years, United must go the extra mile this summer transfer window if they wish to compete on both domestic and European fronts.

They were knocked out in embarrassing fashion in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, while the title seems to have slipped away after they lost in the derby match against Manchester City the other week. 

Last season, Sir Alex Ferguson failed to bring in any marquee signings, though he did shell out a pretty penny for the likes of David de Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young. Solid signings altogether, but none of them world-class, none that signal an intent from the United camp that they are striving to once again be the best club in the world.

This transfer window, some heavy duty reinforcement is required, and reinforcements need to come in the form of marquee signings—established world-class individuals who will fit in well with the squad. For the purposes of this slideshow, I have focused on three critical areas that United particularly need bolstering on and which players might be suitable candidates. 

Left-Back

Patrice Evra, once heralded as one of the greatest left-backs alongside Ashley Cole, has deteriorated exponentially. Yes, he does churn out splendid performances every once in a while, but too often he lets the team down during crucial encounters.

I also feel that he was not a great captain in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, especially with the Luis Suarez saga.

It is time to find an adequate replacement for Evra, someone who can still take notes to fit into the United scheme of things but also is a solid, already established player. A world-class, young left-back will allow United an extra edge in the final third of the opponent's half, while also having ample energy to track back and defend.

United need a full-back who contributes in attack, yet makes crucial tackles and interceptions, supports the wingers by creating some space for them and exchanging one-twos with them and putting incisive balls into the box.

The best signing Manchester United can make is to procure Spanish International Jordi Alba‘s services. He contributes well in attack and matches it with defensive solidity of the highest degree. 

However, given the fact that Alba himself has reiterated time and again the improbability of his move to United, it would be difficult to get hold of him. 

If Alba’s services cannot be procured, then Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa would also fit the bill. The Montpellier captain, Yanga-Mbiwa has been in instrumental form for the Ligue 1 outfit who currently top the French Ligue. What is more important is that he has stated that a move to Manchester United would be a dream transfer.

Yanga-Mbiwa is also capable of playing at central defence and also at the right. He would make a very versatile transfer indeed. 

Right-Back

I have always been a huge fan of Rafael. However, in recent weeks, I’ve realized that his defending leaves a lot to be desired, although his attacking prowess is there for all to witness.

Perhaps, he too would fare better with a loan move.

Bringing in someone at right-back is tricky, as he will have to coordinate well with one of United’s leading men, Antonio Valencia. And when you realize that quality full-backs are a rarity these days, their transfer prices get inflated.

Mathieu Debuchy has been linked with Manchester United these days, and he might fit the bill perfectly. The player for Lille has almost 300 appearances for the club, and he would allow players like Rafael and Phil Jones to develop as well.

It was reported that Sir Alex Ferguson went to France to watch Lille take on Lyon, and he was most interested, not in Eden Hazard, but in the full-back Debuchy. 

Another right-back that has been particularly impressive that United might want to get a hold of is Lukasz Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund. He played splendidly in last years’ campaign, where he played all games barring one which saw Dortmund lift the title. This season, too, he has put in splendid performances.

Tony Jantschke of Borussia Mönchengladbach might also be a feasible option. Though his crossing leaves much to be desired, he is strong aerially and is a sublime passer as well. Perhaps a strong bid from United might see 'Gladbach give up on their young defender. 

Center-Midfield

On many occasions, Manchester United’s midfield seems to be overrun. One cannot fathom what would have happened to United if Paul Scholes had not come back from retirement.

While United will still have exemplary services from Michael Carrick, and with Darren Fletcher coming back, prospects do look brighter. However, United will still be in need of a world-class creative spark that will not only add a bit of flair and panache to the United team, but will also serve as role models for players like Tom Cleverly.

The ideal signing will of course be that of Luka Modric. Modric is at the prime of his career and would fit in perfectly with the United squad, settling in where Paul Scholes used to/still plays. 

I was in the hopes of Tottenham slipping up and relinquishing the Champions League spot, but after consecutive victories by them and Chelsea slipping up against Newcastle, much hope remains for them. The only hurdle, of course, is that of Newcastle, but they have yet to face a determined Manchester City side.

I do not see Chelsea winning the Champions League, hence it is likely that Tottenham will clinch the fourth spot. Seeing that they have a strong chairman, an exodus is unlikely. Only if Tottenham fail to qualify, Modric might force a transfer.

If the Croatian dynamo is not available, then the other feasible option would be Shinji Kagawa. The midfielder from Borussia Dortmund has refused to sign an extension and make his way to Old Trafford eventually.

Of course, it would be fascinating to see how he would fit into the 4-4-2 formation employed by Alex Ferguson, but the formation might be changed to a 4-2-3-1 to better suit Kagawa. He is a phenomenal player, and he has been one of my favourite players in the past two seasons.

He would also allow United to tap into the lucrative Japanese market immensely, so I would suggest that he should be the fall-back option.

Another viable option is Eden Hazard who has also been linked with United.

He is only 21 years old, and he would align perfectly with Sir Alex's philosophy of developing young players.

He could be deployed as either a creative midfielder or a winger and provide that extra level of attacking threat which United sometimes lack. He could fill in the hole behind the strikers, and when Nani or Ashley Young are inconsistent, he could be operated on the left flank. 

Other Signings

The following players would also make excellent additions to the squad:

Nicolas Gaitan

Brought in by Benfica to fill the void of departed Angel di Maria, Nicolas Gaitan has had a couple of dazzling seasons. He is a versatile midfield player, capable of operating in all positions and would make a suitable addition to Ferguson's squad. 

Christian Eriksen:

Christian Eriksen is only 20 and has phenomenal technical abilities. 

Recognized as being on par with phenomenal talents such as Mario Götze and Juan Mata, the new "Michael Laudrup" would certainly be a fantastic addition to United. 

Nuri Sahin:

A move to Real Madrid has seen one of  Bundsliga's best players being resigned to the bench. So far, Sahin has only featured twice in La Liga, and only as a substitute. 

Madrid might also be keen on offloading him if the right offer comes along, and this is when United need to swoop in. He would be an incredible asset for United. He can occupy a deeper role in midfield and spread passes around with precision, and he is also very effective in taking set-pieces.

Javi Martinez:

An ever-versatile player, Javi Martinez would be a perfect addition to the United roster. He is solid in defense and even better in midfield. He can intercept, hold and pass the ball effectively. I would suggest operating him as a defensive midfielder from where he can distribute the ball with precision. 

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