Why Manchester United Should Sign Brazilian Maicon

Looking ahead to the forthcoming season, which looks to be another highly contested one with Spurs, City, and Villa all staking their claim for contenders for the top position in English football.

Manchester City seem to be getting stronger as the seasons go by with their financial power, while Spurs look to hold on to their star players as they will hope for some European success.

So much talk regarding who's going where, as for Manchester United, they require some intervention and freshening up if they look to challenge Chelsea, who are the strongest outfit with quality players at almost every position.

It's no secret that Sir Alex Ferguson will bring in another attacking player come the next transfer window. But one of United's main downfalls last season was their defensive limitations, especially when certain key players where injured.

The best solution to this problem would be the signing of Brazilian right back Maicon, currently at Inter Milan, and recent speculation linking him with a possible move to Madrid.

Maicon has shown his calibre and ability both in defense and attack in the last couple seasons. He has also been the first choice for the Brazil National team ahead of Barcelona star man Dani Alves.

Maicon has played 46 games in the past season for Inter and has scored 7 goals, which is remarkable for a right back. But his intelligent play and speed have been key to that success.

In terms of experience, Maicon is no stranger to the big stage. He has played over 100 games for Inter, and at the prime age of 28, will look to represent Brazil at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, which kicks off in a weeks time.

Although many might feel that if Maicon decides to move after an excellent season winning the treble at Inter, Madrid would be his first choice, remember Jose Mourinho is there and the two have a great mutual understanding.

Ferguson would say he has enough cover on the right with Gary Neville (now much slower but still effective), experienced Wes Brown, John O'Shea, who can play in almost any position if required to, and also the young Brazilian Rafeal da Silva, who is growing as a player now only 19 years old.

So many might ask the question, is there a need for a specialist right back? And I will have to say YES! Simply because of the modern game and the toll it takes on players having to play week in and week out.

Whether Ferguson will be prepared to splash out the cash which could be a huge sum is a different story all together.