Much has been said about David Moyes and his midfield of late and how he should look to sign some players to solidify it. One man who has been mentioned is former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, who the Daily Star are suggesting the Red Devils are still interested in. But if he did make the switch, then where would he fit into the Old Trafford side?
Traditionally a holding player, Alonso has played five games for Real Madrid this term after returning from an injury. United already have two defence-minded players in the middle in Michael Carrick, and although the Spaniard surpasses them both in pass success (91%) and key passes (10), I’m not sure whether or not he’s what they need.
He’s not a very mobile player and can sometimes struggle to make himself seen in games, but what he does do is keep the ball moving and open space with his raking passes.
An option should he arrive in Manchester would be to have him sit alongside Carrick and push Fellaini forward a bit, which may help him find his feet at the club and bring the best out in him.
In a 4-4-2 I don’t think he would work alongside Carrick, but should Moyes fancy a 4-2-3-1 then I see no reason why they can’t sit in the pivots together.
United fans, would you want Alonso?
stats via Squawka