Manchester United Transfer News: Why Solution to Midfield Problem Lies at Home

Manchester United have been handed a tough blow, losing out on Thiago Alcantara, who has set his sights on a move to Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old had been deliberating over a move to Manchester but has opted to reunite with head coach Pep Guardiola after a chat on the phone convinced the midfielder to move to Germany.

As per The Telegraph, FC Bayern’s official statement read: "FC Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for the transfer of the 22-year-old Thiago Alcantara.

"In the course of the next few days, the Spain midfielder will travel to Munich for the obligatory medical before signing a four-year contract binding him to Germany's biggest club until 30 June 2017.”

The midfielder’s decision not to move to Manchester is hardly a surprising one in the end.

The Spanish U-21 captain will reunite with Guardiola at FC Bayern, plus has his brother, Pene, as his agent.

President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "Only recently, Thiago was named best player at the Under-21 European Championship. He's a fantastic player with huge potential, and he will make FC Bayern stronger."

A "fantastic player" who would have been a massive boost to the Red Devils, but Moyes needs to move on quickly and focus his attention on other areas of his squad.

However, United’s midfield questions could have a very simple answer closer to home and certainly do not require a lucrative transfer fee: Shinji Kagawa.

After all, the Japanese attacking playmaker was one of the brightest performers in Europe in 2011-12 with Borussia Dortmund and cost United just £10 million.

Kagawa has yet to show his true talents at Old Trafford, largely because of Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to play him out of a central berth.

With Moyes hoping to stamp his own authority on the style, Kagawa’s involvement could be crucial for next season.

The 24-year-old has the attacking qualities, pace, dynamism, technical skills and craft to fill the role behind Robin van Persie, the main central attacker. After his recent comments, it looks as though Kagawa will be ahead of Wayne Rooney in the pecking order, for sure.

Kagawa was an outstanding performer at Dortmund in his two years with the club, either side of a six-month injury layoff.

Two championships and the German Cup to his name, the Japanese attacker was expected to shine for Manchester United immediately after his move.

A knee injury kept Kagawa out of action over the winter months, but he returned in excellent fashion against Norwich City in March.

The playmaker became the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League—all of his goals of the highest quality.

Returning from the Confederations Cup, Kagawa will be a key player for Manchester United in the forthcoming campaign.

Moyes has already picked up some criticism over his dealings in the transfer market, inevitably being compared to the great Ferguson, who had such inspiring success with the club.

Still, the Red Devils are in pole position for another championship. Moyes will need to show the same mental strength and prudence to prevent United from entering a needless spending spree, especially for an attacking-midfield playmaker.

Thiago would’ve been perfect, but Kagawa should be the man to pick up from last year.