Rooneys Recruits: Superstars To Match Rooney's Ambition
After months of speculation and rumors, we now have a few more months to speculate until the summer transfer window opens up.
After failing to make even a ripple in the transfer market, its only a matter of time before Manchester United and the Glazer's open up the checkbooks to bring some flair, excitement and marquee signings to Old Trafford.
One of the reasons ManU might not have made any moves in January (aside from Anders Lindegaard) could be due to the fact that the team might be making major changes to its squad, with players coming and going. Wayne Rooney was persuaded to remain at United with a pay raise and a promise of star recruits to match the striker's ambitions.
While not all of these players are likely to sign with the club these players may fit the bill if one of them decides to play for Manchester.
Kaka
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One of the many marquee signings in Real Madrid's $300 million squad revamp in 2009, the Brazilian maestro is the definition of class.
The prospect of singing Kaka initially emerged as a potential January loan deal with an option to buy in the summer around $68 million. While $68 million is a lot to spend on a 28 year old, the quality Kaka would bring going forward would be worth every penny.
Alexis Sanchez
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The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since his impressive 2010 World Cup showing.
With a price tag of around $25 million, this talented winger can play across the midfield or in an advanced attacking position. He is very fast, strong and has remarkably quick feet.
After the departure of Ronaldo, many United fans missed the flair, excitement and game-changing qualities he brought to the team. It is no surprise that Sanchez is being billed as the next Ronaldo and even less of a surprise that Sir Alex is ahead of the queue to land this gifted midfielder.
Shinji Kagawa
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This young, talented Japanese midfielder is the cream of the crop, along with other notable young Japanese players such as Ryo Miyaich and Takayuki Morimoto.
At 21 years old, Borussia Dortmund has a real prospect on their hands. As a matter of fact, Dortmund rate Shinji Kagawa so highly, they slapped a $33 million price tag to ward off bids from none other than United.
The former Cerezo Osaka youngster arrived at Dortmund in the summer after a successful J League season. Kagawa has been an instant hit in Germany where he has scored 10 goals in all competitions and helped Jurgen Klopp’s side to a seemingly unassailable 10-point lead at the top of the table.
Kagawa would offer stylish, free-flowing soccer that could prove a valuable asset for United in the long run.
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Rene Adler
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Considered the best goalkeeper at United since Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar has dedicated five great years to United, but at age 40, the Dutch giant has decided to hang up his gloves at the end of the season.
Sir Alex has promised to find a valid replacement so as to not repeat another Massimo Taibi or Nick Culkin mishap. He has already drawn up a goalie wish list, and while it is true he has never signed a German keeper, Rene Adler might be his first.
The 25 year old is more consistent than Hugo Lloris and boasts a powerful 6-foot-3 frame that follows suit of traditional German goalies such as Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann. United is Adler's dream club, so his commitment and dedication to being the new No. 1 would be guaranteed.
Adler recently came out and stated, "...everyone here knows that I have higher ambitions, and everyone knows that Manchester United is my dream club. The board of the club are aware of the special clause in my contract." Adler's age could guarantee stability and consistency. Although his price is valued around $25 million, he would last United for 10 or more years.
Adel Taarabt
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His first attempt with Spurs was less than memorable, but the 21-year-old Moroccan has been a revelation for Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
Bordering cocky, this confident playmaker has the skill to back it up. Consistent and breathtaking performances this season have seen a host of top clubs, including Everton and Arsenal, also interested in the former Lens youth player.
However, it is believed United leads the charge to bring the talented playmaker to Old Trafford. Adel Taarabt has spoken of his desire to continue his career at United, and firmly believes he is ready to make the switch. This deal would likely cost around $10 million, but due to his performances this season, that figure could easily double.
Sergio Ramos
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This guy has been around for what could already be called an illustrious career with all the personal and team accolades he has won, including a 2010 World Cup medal, the 2008 European Championship and countless World XI mentions while only at age 25.
Sergio Ramos screamed talent at an early age, which saw Real Madrid president Florentino Perez shell out around $35 million to acquire his signature at the age of 19. Over 180 apps for Madrid with 23 goals has made Ramos one of the most feared and talented right backs in the world.
He mainly plays right back, but can deployed in the center of defense and midfield, which wouldn't hamper Rafael's development. Ramos would likely cost around $45 million and would be a valuable asset both in the back and going forward.
Gareth Bale
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It is only a matter of time before United's Welsh wizard Ryan Giggs will retire, so when that day comes the obvious choice for his replacement is Welsh wonder Gareth Bale.
After his 2007 move from Southampton to Tottenham, Bale failed to live up to the billing of the next big thing. He had little recognition throughout most of his early career due to injuries and surgeries, but recently became a household name and the top of everyone's transfer wish list.
Bale became known for almost single-handedly bringing down the 2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan by scoring a hat trick against the reigning best team in Europe. This season the 21-year-old has proven himself a nightmare to play against from a roaming left wing position.
His pace and power have all too often proved too much for opposing right backs. The number of free kicks and penalties he has won, along with the chances and goals he has created, only serve to illustrate that fact.
Sir Alex rued the fact that he missed out on Bale when he was 17 and will likely splash the $40 million to sign the Welsh youngster.
Lassana Diarra
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25-year-old Frenchman Lassana Diarra has already played for a number of top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Portsmouth and currently Real Madrid.
With the summer arrival of German international Sami Khedira, Lass has seen his playing time cut and is reportedly looking for a move elsewhere. He is tough tackling and decent at joining the attack. His arrival would spell the permanent end of Hargreaves, would limit Gibson's playing time and provide competition for Fletcher.
Lass would likely cost around $15 million, but would certainly justify the price if given the opportunity to prove himself.
Wesley Sneijder
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''If somebody asks me if I will ever play for Manchester United, it's impossible for me to say no," Wesley Sneijder said.
With that being said, surely Sir Alex will make a move for the $40 million, 26-year-old Dutch midfielder.
Sneijder added: ''The Premier League, in terms of top clubs, is the strongest in the world, and it would be nice to finish my career saying I have played at the very top in Spain, Italy and England. There is not many who can say they have done that, and if that does happen for me, I would only want it to be with Manchester United."
Sneijder's ability and skill are clear to anyone who has ever seen him play and would bring added dimension and threat to any team's attack.
Conclusion
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United will most likely only sign 2-4 players this summer, but hopefully some of them will be serious contributors.
Fact of the matter is, with promising talent like Wellbeck, Cleverly, Hernandez and Smalling, the amount of additions United have to make will be very minimal. I suspect at least one or two marquee United signings to please the team's faithful, as well as Rooney's ambition.
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