I think it’s fair to say, Manchester United have yet to really ‘fire’ this season. Whilst the typical Sir Alex Ferguson ‘fight’ and ‘resolve’ remains and the side has been able to eek out results (though not against Everton and Tottenham), they don’t look quite so potent a force this season as they did last term.
Perhaps it’s because of some of the aging bodies within their midfield. It’s beginning to look as though Ferguson has hung onto the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and especially Patrice Evra, for a season too long. Whilst Robin Van Persie was a smart addition, I feel like the focus should have been on the midfield last summer.
Yes, Shinji Kagawa was brought in, but you get the feeling that this is still an area that needs to be looked at. If Kagawa is there to provide goals and creativity, somebody else is needed to play the enforcer role when Paul Scholes is no longer about.
With that in mind, Manchester United’s recent and somewhat strange link to Inter Milan’s wizened old pro, Esteban Cambiasso begins to make some sense. At first, I thought that any potential move for ‘Cuchu’ would be a step backwards for Manchester United – after all, Esteban is now 32-years-old, hardly a spring chicken. But, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.
All Ferguson sides have a real bite and edge within their midfield. They all have a player that’s not afraid to snap into challenges, win the ball and then use their nous to find a team mate. People may point to the likes of Darren Fletcher, but he’s not a patch on Cambiasso. The Argentine draws some comparisons with Paul Scholes, in the way he’s able to combine defensive duties with a creative outlook. It’s an extremely potent and effective mix and it’s the reason why he’s been an important part of Inter Milan’s side since 2004.
It’s claimed that he’d be available for around £18m, which seems rather costly for a player his age. But given his experience, ability and qualities, he actually strikes me as something of a bargain. He’s not a player that has ever been known for his pace and still has three or four years left at the top of his game.
So perhaps it wouldn’t be so crazy a move after all?
What’s your take? Would you have Cambiasso at Old Trafford?
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Seriously, you need to urgently see a doctor. You’re cracking up. 18M for a 32-yo?! And added to that, Fergie invests in an over-25yo outfield player only once in a blue moon. RVP, Berbatov and Sheringham were the only ones that spring to mind in the last 12 years.