Manchester United Transfer Rumors: James Rodriguez Would Give Reds Edge on Blues

Man U is too close not to go all-in.

Manchester City won the 2011-2012 Premier League title by the narrowest of margins last year. While Manchester United already signed Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa, Sir Alex Ferguson can’t kick back, relax and wait for the season to start. Man City is looking to improve, so the Reds must not only continue to do the same, they need to outdo their rival.

Alex Hankin of Mirror reported that Man U will heavily pursue Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez this transfer window. Last season for FC Porto in Portuguese Liga action, Rodriguez scored 13 goals in 14 games. Not only would such an addition be an instant boost for the Reds, but it could pay off even more in the future, as the 20-year-old possesses the potential to develop into a superstar.

Man U has long been linked to the Netherlands’ Wesley Sneijder. Before Euro 2012 began, though, the Daily Mail reported that Man City was looking to swoop in and sign Sneijder away from Internazionale. The midfielder scored four goals and delivered five assists in Italian Serie A play.

Even more threatening, though, is Mark Ogden's report in The Telegraph that the Blues will offer Arsenal stud Robin van Persie a contract. Van Persie on Man City is the Reds’ worst nightmare. The striker scored a whopping 30 goals for the Gunners last season against Barclays Premier League competition.

Man U can’t allow either of those moves to happen, especially a Van Persie signing, without improving themselves.

Wayne Rooney is a monster goal scorer. Antonio Valencia and Nani are phenomenal playmakers. They’re a football juggernaut and are loaded with enough talent to claim the Premier League crown, but so is Man City.

After winning three straight titles and having the last two out of three slip from their grasp, Man U must do everything in their power to prevent another letdown. And that involves adding Rodriguez.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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