Manchester United's Best Plan for a Wayne Rooney Replacement

Wayne Rooney currently stands alone in a world of uncertainty.

The Manchester United forward wants out, he would have said otherwise, but new manager David Moyes is loathe to have to sell such a world-class player.

He would not want that to be his first major act at Old Trafford.

Ultimately, however, if Rooney's mind remains unchanged, better to have an extra £30 million in the bank than a sulking, under-performing player on the pitch.

Chelsea seem to be leading the chase for Rooney's services according to multiple media sources, including tabloid The Mirror.

If a deal with the Blues were to be completed, some fans of the Red Devils would moan, more would not.

United, as a club, command too much respect to have to force one of its own to stay against his will.

So if Rooney goes, what next? Does Moyes bring in a replacement in the transfer window? Who does he target?

This article will look at what Manchester United's best plan should be should they decide to sell the 27-year-old.

How the Tactics Could Change

Before looking at potential signings to replace Rooney, it is first worth considering if his departure would drastically alter the way the team plays.

The initial answer to that question is "no."

Rooney inhabited the second forward position last term, dropping deep into midfield in more of a playmaking role.

His contribution was positive. 12 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League is a decent return.

But he just never seemed to click with forward Robin van Persie. They played their best football when apart, rarely together.

With the Dutchman in the squad, the need for Rooney lessened. The same goes for Shinji Kagawa.

If Rooney is sold this summer, the biggest positive would be Kagawa having the freedom to play the "trequartista" role he so craves.

The Japan international would bring more mobility and imagination to the team, but the preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 formations would not change.

Losing Rooney should not prove too devastating in terms of the team's goal-scoring threat either.

After all, Kagawa scored 13 league goals in his final campaign at Borussia Dortmund.

Would United Need a Replacement?

It would therefore be easy to suggest that the Red Devils would not necessarily need to buy a replacement this summer.

With Kagawa, and burgeoning talents Adnan Januzaj and Jesse Lingard coming through the ranks, the squad is well stocked in creative midfield options.

Because United would not be signing a forward to replace Rooney, but an attacking midfielder.

However, losing the sheer quality of a player like Rooney would have a massive impact on the club.

He may not have been the dominant attacking threat last term as he was in previous campaigns, but footballers of his ilk do not come around every day.

If United receive £30 million from his sale, £30 million must be spent on another X-factor.

Potential Transfer Targets

Time is running out for the Red Devils to make a significant splash this summer.

Thiago Alcantara snubbed Moyes' side for Bayern Munich, while Cesc Fabregas's agent told Catalunya Radio his client is out of reach (h/t The Metro).

In terms of options, there are a few top quality players Moyes could target.

Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan is one. The Germany international was a dominant force in last season's Champions League, helping his team reach the final.

He is technically proficient with the ability to control a game from midfield. His playmaking skills are excellent, aided by terrific passing abilities.

Ajax youngster Christian Eriksen must also be considered.

The 21-year-old has long been tipped for a move from the Eredivisie to a bigger league, but a move is yet to materialise. His price tag would not be extortionate either.

Last season was his finest for the Amsterdam club. His mobility and attacking instincts would serve United well, but it would be difficult to accommodate both he and Kagawa in the same XI.

One would have to be moved to a wider position, where he may be slightly less comfortable.

The more fanciful option, though certainly the most suitable, is Luka Modric.

The Real Madrid midfielder would be perfect in terms of what United need, but Los Blancos would not be willing to let him go for cheap.

Moyes does not want a repeat of the Fabregas situation, with bids rejected in the full glare of the national media.

If he sells Rooney, he must have a clear strategy to enforce before the transfer window closes in late-August.

Manchester United have never panic-bought players, and they must not start this year.

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