Speculation continues to mount as to what additions Manchester United will make this January. Though Manchester United are keeping pace, their performances have been somewhat lackluster and it’s thought that Sir Alex Ferguson may look to bolster his side at the next available opportunity. Indeed, online publications are linking United to just about every midfielder under the sun.
That’s the area that’s been singled out for particular attention. A general sense of fear seems to surround a future without Paul Scholes for Manchester United. How they’ll fill that gap is still up in the air.
According to Emirates 24/7, Sir Alex is looking to bring in two new midfielders this January. Scholes sure does take some replacing! The players in question are PSV midfielder Kevin Strootman and Russian captain Igor Denisov. In the article they are rather unhelpfully labeled, ‘the new Wesley Sneijder’ and the ‘real Andrey Arshavin’. Let’s break down these bullshit labels.
What they mean, when they say that Strootman is the ‘new Sneijder’, is that he’s Dutch, he’s young and he can move the ball about. He’s impressed during his time in Eindhoven, but looks to be ready for a new challenge. Whether United should snap him up is another matter.
I’m not entirely sure what to make of the claims that Igor Denisov is the real Andrey Arshavin. Isn’t the real Andrey Arshavin the man who dominated Coventry City last Wednesday night? Maybe the claim is that Arshavin’s lack of form over the last couple of seasons has been a result of Igor Denisov channeling his spirit and stealing his ability.
Or could it just be that Arshavin is a more recognizable and relatable name than Denisov? Probably.
Either way, I’d say he’s a more attractive prospect than young Strootman. In players like Nick Powell and Tom Cleverley, United have enough young talent coming through. Denisov, who impressed during the Euros, looks to be capable of making a real impact.
What’s more, he’s unhappy at Zenit St Petersburg, complaining that players like Hulk and Axel Witsel are getting disproportionately high wages: “I could understand it if we signed Messi or Iniesta, who are worth any price. Yes, we bought good players who clearly will help Zenit. But they are so much better than others to earn a salary three times better?”
So maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing for United to swoop in and bring him to the Premier League, particularly, if Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a cheaper solution than the likes of the real Wesley Sneijder.
What’s your take? Would Igor Denisov make a smart addition at Old Trafford?
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