Whilst it may seem to demonstrate a particular lack of imagination on behalf of journalists and rumour-mongers, to keep linking Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund players, it does highlight a somewhat wider point: Dortmund have earned themselves a pretty fantastic team.
In recent memory, Manchester United have been linked to Dortmund’s ace striker Robert Lewandowski (who caused England all kinds of problems last week leading the Polish line) and Mats Hummels a fantastic, but expensive defender.
That’s not to forget that Sir Alex Ferguson raided Borussia Dortmund for Shinji Kagawa last season. The Japanese International proved to be an astute signing and will surely exercise more influence as the season goes on. Dortmund are a real hot-bed of talent at the moment – something that’s clearly not lost on Sir Alex Ferguson.
That may well be why the Daily Star are linking United to yet another Dortmund midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan.
The trouble here, I’d suggest, is Gundogan’s price tag. He’s rated at £20m, a figure that may scare Sir Alex away from making a bid. But I’d argue that he’s earned his price-tag. He’s proven himself in the Bundesliga at such a young age (he’ll be 21-years-old this Wednesday) and looks to have a big future ahead of him. He only joined Dortmund last summer, but he played an important role his side’s efforts to retain the German domestic title last season.
Whilst the likes of Mario Gotze have earned a reputation for quick passing and general all round offensive play, Gundogan is better known for his tough tackling, his physical presence and his reading of the game.
Sir Alex may well view him as a long-term replacement for Paul Scholes. He’s certainly shown that there’s more to his game than simply breaking up play. Whilst he’s known for the combative elements of his game, he can also spray the ball about nicely, unleash attackers and turn the tide of a game. If Sir Alex can get a hold of Gundogan and harness him in the right way, he could mature into a really special talent.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that he’d fit in at Manchester United. And given his price-tag, he’d certainly represent something of a gamble. For what it’s worth, however, he’s a player that I would love to see plying his trade at Old Trafford.
What’s your take? Would Ilkay Gundogan make for a smart Alex Ferguson signing?
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