As a Football Manager veteran, I have learned that a good way to find success is to build a side around a strong central midfield partnership. We have seen it in the Premier League with Manchester United, with Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, at Arsenal with Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira, and more recently with Xavi and Andres Iniesta at Barcelona. Right now, at Old Trafford, I point to that in regards to Manchester United’s poor form this season.
This season has seen Michael Carrick injured, Darren Fletcher coming back from his stomach problem and Marouane Fellaini being suspended. Anderson has been Anderson and has subsequently been sent out on loan to Fiorentina, and Tom Cleverley is a player who hasn’t grown into his potential, in my eyes.
There are two players who I think United should sign and build the side around, and they are two players who they have previously let slip.
Paul Pogba is the first, who is currently at Juventus. The powerhouse has played in 19 of the Italian side’s Serie A games and has registered 30 key passes in that time. He is a physical presence, can link the midfield to attack and has scored five goals so far this term.
To compliment the brute strength of Pogba, I would suggest that United swoop for West Ham’s Ravel Morrison, although the £10m that has been put on his head could put United off, as he was let go on a free.
Morrison has been instrumental this season for the Hammers but their lack of success on the pitch could see his head turned should a bid come in.
For me, a midfield trio of Michael Carrick, Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison could solve United’s problem.