Why Manchester United Don't Need to Sign Leighton Baines

Let’s get one thing straight: Leighton Baines is a fantastic player and is good enough to join Manchester United.

The fact is, however, that Baines is an unnecessary signing because the options at left-back are good enough already.

It’s that simple, really.

There is a risk that David Moyes is returning to his old club to secure a deal based on sentiment, rather than necessity. Having already signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton, the addition of Baines would only strengthen the argument that Moyes is blind to the fact that there are better options available.

In short, United don’t need Baines. Here’s why:


Patrice Evra Doesn’t Need to Be Replaced

Baines might be a better player than Evra but not by such a margin that it warrants spending more than £20 million.

Evra is enjoying a greater degree of freedom under Moyes on the left-hand side and has been one of the better players since the Scot took over. He has linked up well with Shinji Kagawa on a number of occasions, too.

Furthermore, as the club’s vice-captain, he remains an integral part of the squad during the transition from Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

His goal against Cardiff on Sunday capped a fine start to the season as he continued to offer an attacking threat from crosses. 

There are plenty of players who need to be replaced at Man United, but Evra is not one of them. The image above attests to that. His passion and commitment is second to none at the club.

Moyes’ comments on the situation haven’t exactly made things clearer, though. He was quoted by L’Equipe, via Sky Sports, as saying: "I don't know how you see Patrice in France but in Manchester we have a very high opinion of him. He has been a great figure in the dressing room since I have been at the club."

Praise indeed, but it won’t be enough to quell the rumours of Baines’ arrival.

Baines would not be out of place at United, there’s no doubt about that. He’s just not good enough or young enough to justify a significant transfer fee when United already possess a top-class left-back.


Luke Shaw Is the Better Option

Southampton’s Luke Shaw has been in terrific form this season, justifying the hype that suggests he could be one of the world’s best left-backs in the future.

He’s that good.

And, because of that, he would be a better signing than Baines. He has the majority of his career ahead of him and will only continue to develop in the coming years. That being said, Southampton is the best place for Shaw right now and he doesn’t need to make any quick decisions on his future.

Shaw alluded to as much in an interview with his team’s matchday magazine, which you can see below:

If Moyes wanted to sign the youngster, though, it would be wise to loan him back to the Saints in order to ensure that he is playing football week in, week out.

Shaw’s signing makes more sense than Baines, too. When Evra does retire or move on to another club—at a time that makes sense—Shaw will be ready to take up a place in the starting XI.


The Midfield Needs Strengthening, Quickly

Of all the positions that United need to reinforce within the squad, the left-back slot is of little priority.

January must be a month in which Moyes aims to strengthen the midfield and attack, it’s that straightforward. Sure, in the long-term he must consider who to replace Evra with at left-back, but this season is not that time.

Sunday’s draw away at Cardiff highlighted the midfield problems, which were reflected by some United fans following the game.

If Moyes focuses his attention on the signing of Baines, then there is a risk that the rest of the squad will suffer. What’s more, it’s unlikely that Moyes is going to be able to secure two or three high-profile signings in a month that is notorious for being devoid of available talent.

He must, therefore, make a midfield signing his priority.


Looking Ahead

Even though it is a bold prediction to make, the chances are that either Leighton Baines or Luke Shaw will don the red of Manchester United in the future.

There is a slim chance that both could make their way to Old Trafford.

However, Shaw must be the one who is made a priority. He’s the better long-term option and would provide more value for money. At 28 years old, Baines is already in the peak of his career and is unlikely to get significantly better than he is right now.

The cover at left-back is more than good enough and now is not the time to strengthen in that area. If Moyes is really intent on signing a left-back, he should opt for Shaw next summer.

And, even then, it would be smart to loan Shaw back to the Saints for another full season.

Ultimately, a move for Baines wouldn’t be a poor one; it’s just not a necessary signing.