Why Failing to Sign Lucas Moura May Prove to Be Sir Alex's Biggest Mistake

When people revise the excellent legacy of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, they often refer to the "what-ifs?"

What if Paul Gascoigne had come to Old Trafford in 1988, what if Alan Shearer had chosen trophies over a sense of loyalty to Newcastle United in 1996, and what if the United boss had sensationally outbid Barcelona for Ronaldinho in 2003?

These questions can never be answered, and it is perhaps with a profound sense of regret that this is so.

Like those times before, Sir Alex currently stands on the precipice—a deal for Lucas Moura can be made, but with Inter Milan circling, time seems to be running out for United to do so (per ESPN).

This will most likely be the final "what if?" situation that the legendary boss will find himself in; and it is more than likely that, were he to sanction a move for Moura, that he would not be around to reap the benefits of such a signing.

He has spoken in the past of wanting to be able to hand over a world-class squad to his eventual successor when he does retire, which may in turn be a factor in his chase for the Brazilian.

Indeed, with the next World Cup to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2014, perhaps he envisions the Selecao rising to the summit of international football over the next couple of years, with Lucas a prominent member.

Moura is a player whose ability has been debated, but whose potential is undeniable.

It is his "diamond in the rough" status which is reminding many of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, who was capable as a teenager, but not consistent.

Even a couple of years into his spell at Old Trafford, there were many who were persisting with claims that the Portuguese winger would not become a world-class player—that he was destined to wallow in a mire of step-overs and dives.

Regarding those who today doubt United spending close to £30 million on Lucas Moura, it must be said that yes, he may fail, and leave the Red Devils having to take a £10-15 million loss.

But he may succeed, and succeed spectacularly, becoming the difference-making X-factor the club has been missing since 2009.

He may bring to United the ability to deploy a tactically versatile formation capable of regaining the inch lost to Spain's finest in the past few years.

He may be another Anderson—a quality player, but one who never really fulfilled that early potential that persuaded Sir Alex to part with £20 million for his transfer in 2007.

But there's the rub.

There were those who had doubts over Gascoigne in '88, and said that Ronaldinho would be a risk in 2003—there are few guarantees in football, and the signing of Lucas Moura would certainly not be one.

But with the transfer saga slowly reaching its inevitable climax, Sir Alex must make a decision that could define the future of the most famous club in the world.

He must sign Lucas Moura, or run the risk of having that last "what if?" loom over him long into an uncomfortable retirement.