Eden Hazard: Red Devils Would Be Right Choice for Belgian Midfielder

Two-time Ligue I Player of the Year Eden Hazard is leaving Lille for one of the two Manchester-based squads of the English Premier League.

We now just have to wait and see which one.

Hazard scored 17 goals and dished out 16 assists this year en route to his second consecutive Player of the Year honor. He has also won the Young Player of the Year award twice (2009, '10).

While Manchester United and Manchester City would both receive a considerable boost from his offensive skills in the midfield, let's take a look at why Man U's red uniforms would be a better fit for Hazard's playmaking.

Popularity

OK, so what if Manchester City has spent absurd amounts of money on the transfer market over the last three years? Manchester United is still England's most popular squad, and one of the world's most-followed clubs.

The club's accolades run deep: 19 league titles, 11 FA Cups, four League Cups and 19 FA Community Shields are on their all-time resume. Add that to extended success in the European Cup and UEFA Champions League, and you have a proud club tradition.

Manchester United's popularity should make Hazard want to join their ranks.

Manchester City may be the flavor of the week with their remarkable weekend victory over Queens Park Rangers, but they are still the ignorable stepchild in the Manchester soccer equation.

If Hazard is into history and tradition, the Red Devils should be his new side.

Fills immediate need

Rather than play for Manchester City after they shower him with gifts and give him money off their money trees (seems like they could be real), Hazard should play for United and fill a glaring need.

Ashley Young currently plays on the left side. However, he is extremely inconsistent and doesn't have Hazard's skill level.

Hazard's ability to attack an offense can destroy opposing defenses. He understands the nuances of attacking football, and he uses them to exploit any minor blemishes in defensive formations. He is a gifted passer with extensive creativity in the open field and is a threat to pass or shoot anytime he touches the ball, and he does both well.

Adding Hazard to Manchester United's squad would provide an upgrade over Young and give Wayne Rooney help attacking the net, and the Red Devils need to add aggressive offensive players on this year's transfer market. And Hazard is one of the hottest names available.

The Red Devils do not want to see him playing in Manchester Stadium next season. If they can move Nani, it will free up enough room to make a reasonable offer for Hazard.

Hazard should do the right thing and play for a storied club.