Last weekend’s Premier League action was labelled by some as being ‘pivotal’ to the title race. Manchester City lost 2-0 to ten men Everton, whilst missing out on a clear penalty and Manchester United snuck in 1-0 victory against Reading, giving away what looked like a clear penalty (to everybody except the ref!).
The two Manchester club’s fortunes could not be any different. Manchester United moved 15 points ahead at the top of the Premier League, though the truth is, the title race has been over for some time. The weekend’s action wasn’t as ‘pivotal’ as many would have you think.
Manchester United have been extremely strong this season and this, combined with their consistency and experience, have made them the inevitable victors.
The gulf in class has been clear for everyone to see and wont have been lost on Roberto Mancini. Manchester City have rather large pockets and will look to redress this balance in the summer transfer window.
So it would be a mistake for Sir Alex Ferguson to rest on his laurels. There are some weaknesses in this United squad that should be looked at when the transfer window re-opens. With Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs not getting any younger, the midfield could be the main priority for Manchester United this summer.
This brings me to TuttoMercato’s (via CaughtOffside) claim that Sir Alex is weighing up a move for Shakhtar Donetsk’s highly rated, young midfielder, Douglas Costa.
He’s a player who has been tipped as ‘the next big thing’ for a while now. Since moving to the Ukraine, back in 2010, he has helped lead Donetsk to three titles, using his pace, technical ability and versatility.
The 22-year-old tends to grab a large number of goals (for a midfielder) each season, but is better known for using his quick feet to work his way into dangerous areas and then releasing a team-mate.
He’s an absolute nightmare for defenders to deal with and the kind of talent who deserves a run-out in the Premier League. He’s by no means a direct replacement for either Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs, but he’d be an exciting addition to this United side.
His creativity, ingenuity and talent will help United break down staunch defenses and he’ll provide the kind of spark that United’s midfield has often lacked this season (like against Reading at the weekend).
It’s suggested that Sir Alex will test the waters with a £20m bid. That would be a good price for the former Gremio star. Let’s hope that’s enough to persuade Donetsk to sell.
What’s your take? Is Douglas Costa the kind of player that Manchester United should be looking at?
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Absolutley, United should have bought him before he went
to Russia, he was Available then?.
this is the player man u needs,will be the best addition,joining clevery,phil,carrick in the midfield
I think so Man utd should go 4 it, is a gud replacement…
he is technically gifted more and more.as it is so ferguson didnt want thos players. look carick,scholes,cleverly they are technically less bt they have great influence,comparatively hazard,mata,ramires,……… believe me fergi will not sign him