It’s been an exciting summer to be a Manchester United fan. Sir Alex Ferguson seems to have taken City pipping his club to the post pretty seriously. Rather than rest of his laurels and hoping that the hierarchy will right itself of its own accord he’s taken action. Manchester United are working extremely hard to right the weaknesses within their squad and this has seen them linked to some pretty impressive players.
They’ve already brought in two ace midfielders in the shape of Nick Powell (one for the future) and goal-machine Shinji Kagawa. They’ve also been hot on the trail of Arsenal’s wantaway striker Robin Van Persie and Brazilian wonderkid Lucas Moura. Not a bad barrage of names.
But I’m surprised by the lack of links to established left-backs. The media seems to be so obsessed by the fact that United need to find a replacement for Paul Scholes, that they’ve forgotten that they also need to replace 31-year-old Patrice Evra. The French left back seems to be getting exponentially older on a game-by-game basis. Something needs to be done.
It’s heartening, then to see the club linked to Leighton Baines. According to Goal.com, United have had informal discussions with Everton concerning the player. The source also claims that Everton value the player at £17m, whilst United are unwilling to shell out more than £12m. If United do move forward, there could be some tough negotiations ahead.
I personally hope that there’s some truth to this story. Baines is easily one of the best left-backs in the country. He’s a great defender because he reads the game so well. But he’s also an astute attacker. He’s always game to gamble down the wings and fire in telling crosses. He’s been one of Everton’s best players for quite some time now and it’s a little strange that nobody has seriously attempted to dislodge him from their grasp before.
At 27-years-old, he’s entering his peak. He’s got experience, but he’s still got 5-6 years left at the top of his game. I’d say that now is the perfect time for Manchester United to make their move.
He may not be as exciting a transfer target as the likes of Lucas Moura, but I’d argue his acquisition would be just as important.
What’s your take? Would Leighton Baines be a good addition to this Manchester United side?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
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.
It’s not just that’s he’s a good defender in his prime he would also give United a goal threat from set pieces again. Since Ronaldo left we’ve had no genuine free kick specialist in the squad. I’m getting sick of Rooney and Nani firing free kicks into the wall or high and wide through a lack of technique and imagination. I’m a big pat evra fan but he’s become a defensive liability over the past 2 seasons, we missed out on jordi alba but baines would be a very good signing and everton don’t have the financial clout to rebuff a decent offer, hope the transfer happens.
HE IS NO GOOD.
Closest thing I’ve seen to Denis Irwin.
& he wasn’t too shabby, was he……
Totally agree, left back & m’vila type player far more important than Lucas & van Persie, even if its not as glamorous
Man u should go for bayern left back ALABA
we need defensive midfielder like tiote,Dejon
Hello to all manchester United fans. Its been remarkable thus far, i want to say SAF is à great coach because of the signing he has done so far and the one he still asking.Possible, there wuldnt be problems confronting the likes of barcelona and athletical bilbao. Man u for life.