Manchester United Mailbag: Answering United Fans' Questions and Queries

The following are genuine questions asked by (mostly) Manchester United fans on Bleacher Report articles.

Topics covered include transfer targets, potential formations and David Beckham.

Let's get straight to it! 

Q: I personally think Tom Cleverley would be an outstanding defensive midfielder. He makes a great contribution in defense. He should play as one of the "2" in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Guys, I need your suggestion in this? - T. Arjun Nambiar

A: If you take the "defensive" out of "defensive midfielder," then yes. 

When Cleverley plays alongside Anderson, both do well in holding midfield roles. When United are in attack, one moves forward and one stays back to great effect.

In terms of protecting the defence, his positioning still needs some work, but yes, essentially speaking he fills that role more than adequately. You don't need to be a 6"2 beast to play that position.

Q: Max, do you think United can get Leighton Baines now that Everton have made a good profit on Jack Rodwell's sale? Or do you believe that United don't need Baines? - Suraj Duseja

A: A good profit indeed! While I do believe we need a new left-back, the Rodwell deal probably lessens our chances of getting Baines. If Everton needed a cash injection this summer, they've got it and don't need to sell Baines... unfortunately.

Q: Do you see Baines as a priority target, or just another left-back to consider? - Suraj Duseja

A: Baines is probably our best bet from within Britain. We know him, we've seen him play and know he's talented. I've been saying for years now that he's probably the best crosser of the ball in the Premier League.

It doesn't make sense for Fergie to have sent Fabio out on loan if he wasn't going to buy a new left-back. Tyler Blackett and Robbie Brady are good, but still too young, Blackett especially. Perhaps Brady could be a decent backup to Evra, though, providing the Frenchman stays fit.

Q: What has Fergie got against Athletic Bilbao? (Apart from them humbling us last season.) United have spent so much time pursuing RVP and Moura, instead of Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez. - Roger Ryan

A: Good question. But then Fergie's never done well pursuing Spanish talent (Oh, and you can add Iker Muniain and Oscar de Marcos to your list as well).

Javi Martinez would be ideal, but too expensive right now.

Q: I've been wondering all summer—why do United need another striker? - The Real Gunner

A: Well "The Real Gunner," we don't really. Sir Alex is only pursuing RVP because it's not often that a world class player makes themselves available, with United as his preferred destination.

Come to think of it, these days it's not very often that any player wants to come to Manchester, so we should certainly make the most of the occasion.

His position doesn't really come into it. If we did buy him, I'm sure Fergie would tackle the problem of how and where to play him later.

Q: Max, what about Isco!? That's who I think United should sign along with another centre-mid. According to sources he's one of the brightest prospects in the Spanish ranks. - Christopher Robins

A: Isco? Who is Isco?

(*Author looks up player, then watches copious amounts of video of him on YouTube).

Not bad, but nothing particularly special.

Lucas Moura aside, wide players really aren't the priority for United this summer. And seeing that Santi Cazorla didn't come cheap for Arsenal, I'm not so sure Malaga are in a "garage sale" frame of mind anyway.

Q: Buy Beckham! He still has the free-kicks! - Jesus Escobar

A: Beckham? Who is Beckham?

Q: Why can't United operate with a diamond-shaped midfield? It allows Kagawa to play in his preferred position, while still allowing Van Persie and Rooney to lead the attack. - Sean McSkeane

A: The diamond formation would require a lot of discipline from our wide players, who need to do as much tracking back as roaming forward, and I don't think Nani or Ashley Young would be up for the job.

Leaving just one man to protect the defence is a risky proposition, and I'm not sure there's a player currently in our squad to fill the role.

Still, it would probably be our number one option if RVP did come.

Q: Everyone must think I'm on drugs by saying this, but the Glazers might be planning on selling Rooney whilst he's at his most valuable? - Larry Thomas

A: Boy, drugs will make you say all kinds of crazy stuff!

If you have any questions you'd like answering, don't be afraid to hit me up either by commenting or contacting me through my profile page.