Is this £12m prodigy really what Manchester United need?

From the moment it became clear that David Moyes was to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement at Manchester United, it was inevitable that the Papers would start speculating about which Everton players would join him in switching clubs.

And boy, oh boy, have we heard a lot of speculation. It’s getting to the stage whereby I fully expect half of the Everton team to follow Moyes to Old Trafford.

Whilst this may simply seem to be lazy journalism, it’s also a testament to the large number of quality players currently playing their football at Goodison Park. It’s also a sign that David Moyes did something right during all the years he spent with Everton.

We’ve already seen Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka linked to Manchester United. Well let’s go ahead and add a fourth name to that list. According to CaughtOffside, David Moyes is looking to make his former Everton charge, Ross Barkley, his first United signing.

This, I think, would be a good move for both the club and the player.

Barkley may only be 19-years-old, but from what we’ve seen, he has a big future ahead of him. What’s more, nobody knows the youngster quite as well as Moyes. If he thinks that Barkley’s good enough to make the step up to Manchester United, we have no reason to doubt these beliefs.

He joined Everton at 11-years-old and quickly moved through the ranks. He made his Everton Premier League debut back in 2010, when he was just 17-years old. He’s also represented England at U16, U17, U19 and U21 level.

Unfortunately, his career also suffered a serious set-back whilst he was on England duty. Back in 2010, Barkley suffered a leg-break whilst playing for the U19s. This (along with his loan moves) may partially explain why he has only made 18 appearances in total for Everton.

Still, from what we’ve seen, the able-bodied, quick-passing youngster is ready for regular football. It’s easy enough to see where he’s earned his £12m price-tag.

I’m not sure he’d make an immediate impact at Old Trafford. But give him a couple more seasons and I’m sure we’ll start to hear plenty more from Barkley.

Of course, I’d rather see Moyes go for Fellaini, but Barkley represents a pretty good consolation prize.

What’s your take? Would you like to see Ross Barkley join David Moyes at Manchester United? 

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