Why Real Madrid's James Rodriguez Would Be a Risky Signing for Manchester United

James Rodriguez has endured an awkward season at Real Madrid, and it is little surprise to see him linked with Manchester United given the Red Devils' shift in transfer policy over the past couple of seasons.

Rob Smyth of the Guardian discussed rumours of a move to Manchester for Rodriguez last Wednesday, citing Los Merengues' interest in Eden Hazard. The acquisition of Chelsea's Belgium international would, according to Smyth, leave "little room at the Bernabeu Inn" for Rodriguez. 

Of course, United were tangentially involved in Rodriguez's move to Madrid in the first place, given that they were the destination club for Angel Di Maria, the superstar replaced by the Colombian, fresh from an all-singing, all-dancing turn at the World Cup 2014.

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While those who followed European football closely were aware of Rodriguez's talent—after all, he had scored nine goals and provided 12 assists for Monaco in the 2013/14 season—nonetheless the World Cup and his move to Madrid shifted him onto the world stage.

However, he has hardly been an unqualified success, and therein lies the risk if United were to take him off Florentino Perez's hands.

In January, Spain-based journalist Ivan Mejia gave an interview to Colombian radio (h/t the Mirror's Ed Malyon) wherein he said, "The Madrid board are worried because he’s not that same James that arrived after the World Cup. He’s racing his car, he’s going out at night, He’s making appearances in Qatar..."

Two other damning statements followed; firstly, "He’s lost all sense of perspective and isn’t training well,” and finally, "He’s lost his humility, lamentably. If he doesn’t come back down to earth then he’ll become a flash in the pan."

On April 1, ESPN FC reported on former Colombia coach Pacho Maturana's interview with esRadio's El Primer Palo in Spain. Maturana said, "He should take a look back at his career, because he has always been a fighter and now he's reached the ceiling at world football level, he's become too comfortable. He needs to leave that comfort zone because he's forgotten how to fight."

At United, he would certainly need to fight. Madrid are in contention for the league and Champions League, something which is far from guaranteed to be the case at United next season. After the Di Maria fiasco, United's powers-that-be should not move for Rodriguez unless they are sure he is fully prepared for what will follow.

If he is, of course, his talent makes him worth a considerable gamble. Last season, he netted 13 goals and provided 13 assists in La Liga for Madrid. This season, he has seven goals and seven assists, though that number is slightly inflated given three of those came in the 10-2 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano.

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However, a deeper look at the numbers shows that in spite of his difficulties, he is still one of Madrid's most consistent creative forces when he plays. He averages 3.6 key passes per 90 minutes of league football this season, more than any other Merengue with more than five appearances. For context, Gareth Bale and Jese are next on the list with 2.7 per 90.

Rodriguez's qualities are obvious, and they are qualities United have often been lacking this season—no one has made the No. 10 position their own.

While direct comparison is not entirely appropriate given Madrid and United occupy different positions in the football pantheon at the moment, Juan Mata's 1.7 key passes per 90 is the Red Devils' best among players with more than five league appearances this season.

Someone bringing more obvious creativity to the attacking lineup would be a boon.

But, of course, the risk remains. Will Rodriguez's game take to Manchester? Will the team around him allow him to shine? Will he rediscover his apparently lost fight? There are too many unanswered questions to wholeheartedly endorse his transfer.

On the other hand, if it did work out, it could be a special signing indeed. Whether it is a risk worth taking will depend on cost, the identity of United's next manager and whether the player himself would welcome the move.

Advanced statistics per WhoScored.com.