Manchester United Targets One Big Signing: Who Will Be 'The One?'

Manchester United's chief executive David Gill has made public announcement that cash will be provided to manager Sir Alex Ferguson to sign a top-quality player for strengthening the overall squad. There will be no cash problem, as per the management, to sign what the team needs —that is, one top quality signing.

United manager has already spent near to 20m by signing two youngsters, Chicharito Hernandez and Chris Smalling. While Smalling has yet to adapt himself to reach to the great heights of the rock United defenders, Chicharito has already started showing sparks by scoring for United in preseason playoffs.

With veteran Paul Scholes nearing a retirement next year, United has always been on the lookout for new midfield talent who can fill in the attacking midfielder role of the golden boy Scholes. Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan and Mesut Ozil from Werder Bremen have been linked to United apart from other stars, and it seems that Sir Alex will give a surprise gift to the fans before August 31.

The fans eagerly wait for that one big signing in Old Trafford and let us take a look at the most likely options who can wear a Red Devils jersey in near future.

Mesut Ozil  

The most obvious name at the transfer wishlist in Old Trafford is the Werder Bremen talent who impressed the world by his amazing performance for Germany in World Cup 2010.

The power-packed, 21-year-old Ozil has a wide range of midfield qualities: he can pass, he has pace with the ball, and he can score.

An elusive left-footed midfielder with a power to break forward and seek space towards the touchlines in high positions, Ozil can be the answer to the much-needed attacks for United.

Ozil has only one year left in his contract with WB, and it seems that he can cost a price of around £ 10-15m, because WB will be wanting to sell him this season only and earn ready cash than to lose him next season.

Wesley Sneijder

The Dutchman has been instrumental and rejuvenated for his country and club. He played the vital role for his country in this World Cup 2010.

A fine passer of the ball, Sneijder is excellent in the set pieces and also has great dribbling abilities added with long range shots on goal.

While Sneijder has made sure till now his interest of remaining with his present club Inter Milan, it is still under speculation whether Inter Milan will accept the offer from United for the star.

However, Sneijder will not cost less than £ 20-25m and his inflated price may be a hindrance in signing of the midfielder.

Maarten Stekelenburg

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Saar has been a legend at the back and is hopefully having his last season for United at 40 years of age. So, Alex Ferguson may be wanting to find a long term replacement to his aged goalkeeper.

While the in-house choices of Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak have not impressed Sir Alex as good replacements, the recent impressive performance in the World Cup by the Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has drawn interest from United.

The €10 rated Ajax goalkeeper has excellent positioning sense with superb reflexes and at 27 years of age, is considered to be a natural heir to his Dutch teammate Edwin Van Der Saar.

Karim Benzema or Klaas Jan Huntelaar

While United has already invested in striking options by buying Chicharito, the in-house breed of United Federico Macheda is also in shining form. Wayne Rooney is fit, and we expect Dimitar Berbatov to give a good season to United.

It is highly doubtful whether Sir Alex would be investing further in striker for this season if he is pretty happy with his current forwards.

Still, the names linked mostly with United are Huntelaar and Benzema, both of them a failure in their current clubs last season. It would be a total big gamble investing on such players but at the end of the day, we believe in the coach right?

Steven Defour

The Belgian ace may make a move finally from Standard Liege to Manchester United. United has for long been in chase for the midfielder and has placed a bid of around £ 13m for the man to land at Old Trafford.

Defour is capable of playing as a central, attacking, and also defensive midfielder. Sir Alex sees him as a long-term replacement for Scholes in United. He is known for his vision, astute passing, stamina, and technical ability.

Bringing in the 22-year-old may bring an influx of energy and creativity to United and can put an end to United’s attack problems. The man, who won the golden shoe in 2007-08, is currently injured and even if bought can only play after two to three months. Till then, the fans will have to wait.

It may be that United signs none of these players, because Sir Alex is the final choice taker and if he still feels that the current team has all to win it, then he may not go for any further purchase this summer again. But, I somehow feel the need of an attacking creative playmaker or a goalkeeper. What’s your wish?