Manchester United: Ranking Their Top 10 Potential January Signings
In some respects, it may seem strange to be selecting transfer targets for a side that sits top of a league in which they remain unbeaten. However, last night’s draw at Birmingham now means United have won just once from eight away games, and actually have accumulated two points fewer than this time last season when they had already suffered five defeats.
Previous January transfer windows have indicated business will be minimal, the arrivals of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in 2006 have subsequently proven to be the exception rather than the rule. Nevertheless, United face a stern test over the second half of the season. The rearranged fixtures at Blackpool and Chelsea means league fixture congestion on an unprecedented scale, and Sir Alex Ferguson may well view the augmentation of his squad as a necessity.
So what areas need strengthening? Edwin Van Der Sar will retire at the end of the season and a successor may be signed now with a view to a less pressurised induction period. Rumours abound of Jonny Evans getting a loan move to restore some confidence so a centre half who could also move to left back could be a priority. A central midfielder has long been mooted and the injury to Antonio Valencia and Park Ji Sung’s abdication to the Asian Cup could also leave numbers tight on the flanks.
Let’s take a look at ten possible arrivals.
Eden Hazard.
1 of 10
The young Belgian has been an integral player at Lille since his debut aged just 16 and has been often been touted as a replacement for Ryan Giggs.
A prodigious talent, his move to such a pressurised environment would be a risk but Sir Alex has a proven track record of nurturing such players into stars.
Jordan Henderson
2 of 10
The Sunderland playmaker has been a revelation this season, even receiving a senior England cap against France.
Composed on the ball, possessor of a trick or two as well as top class delivery skills, Henderson could be the creative young spark the United midfield has craved to replace Paul Scholes.
Ashley Young
3 of 10
Along with the majority of his team mates, Young has struggled this season but his quality isn’t in doubt.
Quick, direct and a magnificent crosser of the ball, Young can also operate on either flank or even up front. A move which incorporates the swap of Michael Owen is a distinct possibility.
Rene Adler
4 of 10
The German first choice goalkeeper may have missed the World Cup with a rib injury, but remains a sought after commodity by Europe’s biggest sides.
His contract is also said to contain a minimum release fee clause that would remove certain complications from the negotiations.
Mikel Arteta
5 of 10
For a side that can sometimes seem bereft of creativity, Arteta would be an ideal signing.
Versatile enough to play anywhere across the midfield, possessing superb vision and technique as well as penchant for scoring goals in big games, he would represent a decent alternative to United’s current options.
His eligibility for Champions League football is another plus.
Scott Parker
6 of 10
Parker has been an inspirational figure in West Ham’s struggle against relegation, and bigger clubs have been eyeing a move.
The English international is eligible for the Champions League and has displayed battling qualities that will be imperative at Old Trafford in the coming months.
It may be a gamble, but stranger things have happened.
Steven Defour
7 of 10
Along with the aforementioned Hazard, Defour is among a multitude of talented young Belgian players accruing a burgeoning reputation in European football.
Ferguson is a public admirer and apparently even sent a letter to the player wishing him a speedy recovery from a broken leg.
Defour has since recovered fitness and form and the young midfielder could well be at Old Trafford before January is out.
Jack Rodwell
8 of 10
The Everton youngster has long been touted for a move to Old Trafford and the time may well be nigh.
Looks far more imposing and assertive than an 18 year old should and has the added bonus of being at home at centre half as well as midfield.
He won’t come cheap, but United should be guaranteed at least a decade of service from Rodwell.
David De Gea
9 of 10
The loan move of Sergio Asenjo to Malaga may make a summer move to Old Trafford more likely but it would be no surprise if Sir Alex made his move for De Gea now.
With the troubles endured by previous goalkeepers prematurely exposed to the Old Trafford spotlight, it would make sense to try and get the talented young Spaniard acclimatised before Van Der Sar’s departure.
Lassana Diarra
10 of 10
The former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder is said to be growing frustrated at his lack of first team action at the Bernabau and a £12 million switch is strongly rumoured.
With doubts surrounding the future of Owen Hargreaves, Diarra would represent an ideal replacement although he would be ineligible for Champions League action.
His tough, uncompromising style could be just the tonic United need to drive them onto domestic glory, while also allowing Darren Fletcher a rest before big European games.
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