Manchester United Transfer Rumors: 5 Midfielders the Red Devils Should Go After
Fans of most clubs around Europe would be elated with a league title and a trip to the Champions League Final. That isn't the case for some Manchester United fans, however. Following a 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the biggest club tournament in the world, fans are looking for some changes before next season.
The Red Devils scored the most goals in Premier League play (78) and allowed the third-least (37). Due to these stats, it would be easy to say the team is good enough to stand pat over the summer. After being completely out-classed by L'equip blaugrana though, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will undoubtedly be looking for some upgrades this offseason.
With today's news confirming striker Ashley Young's move to Old Trafford, here is a list of five midfielders Manchester United should be looking at during the transfer window.
Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan)
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Don't let Wesley Sneijder's height fool you, when the ball is at his feet he can create magic. Possessing great passing abilities and the capability to unleash a rocket in the blink of an eye, it is no surprise Manchester United is considered the favorite to land the 26-year-old midfielder.
Sneijder has scored two goals in three games with the Netherlands national team this summer, showing he is in fine form before a move from San Siro. He scored four goals and added five assists in 25 Serie A games last season. In all competitions, including his five-goal performance with his national team at the World Cup, Sneijder scored 14 times in 50 games.
The latest news has Chelsea entering the fray for Sneijder and Manchester City has shown interest from the beginning. Although both of those teams have the funds to lure Sneijder, Manchester United remains the likely destination.
Luka Modric (Tottenham)
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Another smallish midfielder, Luka Modric makes up for his lack of height with great long-range passing ability. Although his statistics won't jump off the page at you, his impact within the game is widely touted and would be a great fit at Old Trafford.
Following a season which has seen Modric net three goals in 32 league games, he was named the Player of the Year by Spurs fans. During his career, with four different clubs, Modric has scored a total of 55 goals. While playing for the Croatian national team he has scored seven goals in 44 caps. He is currently playing with the national team in European Championship Qualifying.
Chelsea is the only other team showing a lot of interest in Modric. Although he does have solid offensive skill, he excels in a defensive role as well. That makes him even more intriguing to Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United's midfield defense was exposed in the Champions League Final.
Jack Rodwell (Everton)
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Jack Rodwell has struggled with fitness during his time with Everton, but when he is on the field his skill is apparent. Like Modric, depending on his role within the squad, he can provide an offensive boost or be a reliable defending midfielder. With the Toffees he spent more time as the latter.
During his four years with Everton, Rodwell made 92 appearances and scored six goals. The 20-year-old has a lot of potential moving forward and conventional thinking says Manchester United should buy now before he reaches his prime.
Although injuries have never allowed him to play a full campaign, perhaps a move to one of the most scrutinized teams on the planet will keep him focused on staying fit.
Others teams interested in Rodwell include Liverpool and Manchester City. The problem with Rodwell seems to be price. Everton are reportedly asking for upwards of $40 million for the young midfielder. That is a hefty price for a player who isn't as proven as some of the other players on Manchester United's wish list.
Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
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French national Samir Nasri is a great offensive talent that would give the Manchester United attack an instant boost. The one word you will hear a lot when reading reports on Nasri is creativity. A creative style of play is exactly what the Red Devils lacked against the ultra-fancy Barcelona.
In all competitions with Arsenal last season, Nasri netted 16 goals in 40 games while adding four assists. The 23-year-old midfielder's career seems to be on a steady ascent towards greatness. His only problems have come with his national team, where he has just two goals in 22 appearances. That is probably due to the poor atmosphere surrounding the team more than anything else, however. During his club career, split between Marseille and Arsenal, he has 39 goals and 42 assists in 290 games.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has spoke very highly of Nasri, only further igniting the rumors surrounding a possible transfer. There are no other teams in contention for Nasri, so it appears he'll either be heading to Old Trafford or staying at Emirates Stadium.
Charlie Adam (Blackpool)
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Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam has become a name connected to several Premier League teams in recent weeks. Adam has found his goal-scoring stride since joining Blackpool in 2008 and is likely to be moved after the Seasiders failed to avoid relegation.
Adam scored 13 goals in 36 appearances for Blackpool last season. During his three years with the club, including two seasons in the Championship, he has scored 35 goals in 98 games. It is unclear, and unlikely, that he would be able to keep up that pace with a bigger club, but he would provide some type of offensive boost to his new team nonetheless.
Everton is the latest team to show interest in Adam, but couldn't match the cash Manchester United could offer. Other teams that have been linked to the Scottish national include Liverpool and Stoke City. The interest across the board appears to have cooled recently.
