Manchester United have arguably the strongest strike-force in the Premier League. Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen provide each other with decent competition, whilst the likes of Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck and Mame Biram Diouf wait in the wings to be offered their chance to impress. Given that it’s an area of the pitch congested with talent, it’s not too surprising that certain players have been linked with a move away from Old Trafford. It strikes me that one player has to leave and for me there’s a clear candidate as to who this should be.
The Daily Mail recently reported that Blackpool are in the process of finalising a deal for Diouf, who spent last season on loan with Blackburn Rovers. The 23-year-old is rumoured to be joining Ian Holloway’s side on loan with a view to a £1.5m deal should his time at the club be considered a success.
Despite faring quite well at Blackburn, I still can’t see him making it at Manchester United and as such, I can’t help but feel that such a move would make the most sense for his career. At Ewood Park he proved to be fairly confident on the ball, able to pass and link up play better than most expected and acquitted himself well in general.
The problem he faces is that his competition at United, Welbeck and Macheda have the potential to reach a higher peak. Essentially, Diouf may be a good player, but Welbeck and Macheda have the potential to be great players. For this reason, if he were to remain at the club, I’m sure he wouldn’t get as many chances as either of the other players.
I’m not sure, however, why Blackpool feel the need to take him on loan before any long-term move is arranged. He proved himself in the Premier League last season and is more than capable of performing for Blackpool in the Championship. Considering that United are rumoured to be willing to let him go for just £1.5m, it’s not much of a gamble to make.
Regardless, a drop in division could be just what he needs to get his career in gear. In particular it may well get the goals flowing once more. Let’s not forget that he was prolific in Norway and has a lot more potential than most give him credit for when it comes to being a goal-threat. Should Blackpool unleash that aspect of his game, then they will have a real bargain on their hand, should a deal be finalised.
Follow @ThePerfectPass on Twitter for details on all the latest updates and various football-related musings.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
To have a peak at the top SEVEN available FREE TRANSFERS this summer, click here.
Or to have a look at 10 ways a football lover can spend this summer, click here!
He definitely has the potential to be big. He just needs games. But I’m also not sure if he’ll fit into the United lineup. Nevertheless, the loan move is the best rather than outright sale. After he gets his confidence, composure and rhythm back, loan him to a Premiership club. If by then he still can’t beat Wellbeck and Macheda, then we can easily sell him for more than 1.5mil.