5 Player That Could Boost Manchester United’s Title Hopes – Includes Chelsea Playmaker
Manchester United have had an up and down season so far, with far too many downs than they’ll want to admit to, but they have struggled. The change in managers hasn’t helped and performances have suffered because of it – the average players really have proven themselves to be just that. For this reason, United sit in 8th, two points behind seventh placed Everton and 8 points of league leaders, Arsenal.
As a consequence of this, many people from around the UK have declared that the Red Devils may not even make the top four based on results this season. However, with January still to greet us, Moyes has time to try and turn United’s season around and make them title challengers. The Scotsman will hope that in the mean time, they can keep pace with the current league leaders and all the teams around them. So here are five players who I think should be looked at.
1. Kyriakos Papadopoulos – Schalke
Manchester United need a good, solid centre-back to provide back up to an injury-stricken Nemanja Vidic and the ageing Rio Ferdinand, but also someone of better quality than Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
A player that is young like Jones, brave like Vidic and dominant in the air like Ferdinand, preferably, and that, my friends, is where Papadopoulos comes into the picture. Not the biggest of centre-backs but he can frighten the life out of any striker that crosses his path. and right now United need to implement the fear factor back into their game to shore up their defence.
He does have a quite horrible injury record but on the whole he’s a fantastic defender that will serve United well.
2. Juan Mata – Chelsea
With Shinji Kagawa not getting much game time still and Wayne Rooney’s future in some doubt, it could be time for Manchester United to invest in a new creative player for Robin van Persie to enjoy. Juan Mata’s future has been in doubt for quite some time now as well and was linked with United throughout the summer. The diminutive Spaniard can definitely raise United’s attack to the next level and if Rooney decides to stay, then they will have incredible depth in that position, something which could prove to be crucial in the title race.
3. Claudio Marchisio – Juventus
Manchester United need a good solid central midfielder that is capable of keeping the whole team together throughout the entirety of the game. A player that can be called upon week in week out to complete that task. With Michael Carrick not getting any younger and Fellaini not much of a sitter, United need a world class midfielder that can do what Carrick’s done for the past few seasons. If United can shore up in front of the defence then, in turn, the defence will certainly solidify. Juventus won’t let him go cheaply, if they even let him go at all but it is a player that United should consider.
4. Ilkay Gundogan – Borussia Dortmund
As I’ve talked about a sitter in the shape of Marchisio, I think Moyes also needs to consider a runner. A box-to-box midfielder that can provide competition for Fellaini who seems to be lacking form at this moment in time and if that isn’t remedied by January then perhaps the Red Devils should look at alternatives in order to retain their crown. Gundogan will certainly not be easy to get hold of but they should definitely have him high on their shopping list.
5. Mattia De Sciglio – AC Milan
In the absence of Rafael, United don’t have another out-and-out right back to replace him which is where United could fall short because very team needs a proper right back, especially if you want to be considered as serious title challengers. The young Italian is definitely up and coming in the world of football and United like to invest in young talent from around the world.
De Sciglio will not only provide competition for Rafael but also be a good replacement in his absence. Again, he won’t come cheaply but if you want to become to mount a serious title challenge then you have to pay big bucks.
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