Both Manchester United and Bayern Munich have undergone recent disappointments. Bayern destroyed the German reputation for being able to take a mean penalty in their Champions League final defeat against Chelsea. Manchester United managed to seed the Premier League title to Manchester City on the last day of the season. What’s the best way to deal with this level of disappointment? Why by taking to the transfer market and seeking a remedy for their woes of course.
According to talkSPORT, Bayern and United are looking to overcome their respective hangovers by making a move for Athletic Bilbao’s young star Javi Martinez.
The Spaniard has long been on Sir Alex Ferguson’s radar, with Barcelona also thought to be interested though it now seems that Bayern are ready to test Bilbao’s resolve.
Martinez was first linked to United back when Bilbao managed to dump the Red Devils out of the Europa League. Since then he has helped his side onwards to the Europa League final and impressed in his numerous La Liga appearances this season. Though Bilbao won’t want to lose one of their most impressive stars, talkSPORT claim that a fee of around £32m may be enough to persuade them to sell.
Though he’s been used as a central defender throughout this season, if he moved to Manchester I’m sure he’d predominantly be used as a midfielder. He’s tough, tenacious, physical and has the kind of box-to-box energy that players like Anderson lack. Sir Alex has always been enticed by dynamic hard-working players and Martinez seems to fit the mould.
With City in the ascendency, United are in serious need of making a statement during this transfer window. Do they stick with the same personnel and risk stagnating or do they take a couple of gambles and put themselves back in contention?
Martinez would make for a costly addition, but having seen the damage he can do on a first-hand basis, Sir Alex may feel that he’d be a worthy recruit. He seems to have all the tools necessary for survival in the Premier League. Whilst many La Liga players struggle to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, I can’t see Martinez facing the same problem. His great engine and impressive flexibility should also help to endear him to Manchester United fans.
So surely he’d make for an excellent addition to United’s midfield and he may even be viewed as a replacement for Paul Scholes when the Ginger Prince chooses to move on.
What’s your take? Would Martinez be a good addition for United?
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