Can Manchester United beat off the competition to secure their £18m man?

Though Manchester United have moved fairly slowly during this summer transfer window (even since Moyes’ arrival), one story has been circling back and forth through the rumour mill for some time now. This is the story that links Manchester United to Barcelona starlet, Thiago Alcantara.

David Moyes will have arrived at the club, well aware that United fans have been clamouring for a marquee midfield signing for years. After all, Paul Scholes has retired (for a second time), Ryan Giggs is getting on in years and Anderson is… well, he’s just terrible!

United are strong just about every where else, but this is definitely an area that Moyes should be looking at this summer.

On paper, Alcantara looks like a perfect fit for Manchester United. The Spanish youngster is an outrageous talent. He’s got remarkable feet, good decision making processes and an eye for goal. There’s just no telling what he’d add to United’s midfield.

Yes, he’s young, but if his showing in this summer’s European U21’s Championship is anything to go by, he’s ready for the big time.

He’s also ready to move on from Barcelona, where he has to battle against the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas for a place in the team. He’s talented, that’s for sure, but the competition is just too strong and it’s damaging his development.

Perhaps the best marker of the boy’s talent is his ex-boss, Pep Guardiola’s continued admiration. Pep’s now at Bayern Munich, but this hasn’t stopped him reaching out to Thiago:

“We want Thiago. I have asked the club to get him and if we do not get him, then we will not get anybody else.

I know him very well. I talked to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Matthias Sammer about him. We will wait and then see. We have many players but we the need the special quality that Thiago Alcantara brings.” (Source: The Mirror)

Pep managed many talented young players during his time at Barca, but he clearly sees something special in Thiago. It’s claimed that Manchester United have already agreed an £18m deal for Barcelona, but news of Bayern’s interest could create serious problems.

United must work fast to secure their man, before Pep’s able to work his magic on the youngster and tempt him over to the Bundesliga. The Premier League must provide a good deal of appeal for Thiago, as must the chance to play for a club with as much history as Manchester United.

Let’s hope Moyes is able to use this to his advantage and keep Bayern at bay?

What’s your take? Can Manchester United move quicker than Bayern Munich and secure Thiago Alcantara?

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