How should David Moyes re-vamp Manchester United’s midfield?

Over the past 4-5 seasons, countless transfer windows have seen fans and pundits call for Manchester United to strengthen their central midfield. This is a time period, ironically, which has been the most successful period in the club’s recent history. The class and guile of Paul Scholes, the intelligence and positioning of Michael Carrick, and the tenacity of Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves was in reality, a midfield to match any in Europe. Over the past few years, these four have slowly been broken up; whether due to injury, illness or retirement. As bold a statement as this is, the player that most needs replacing is Darren Fletcher.

He’s a criminally underrated midfielder, who had the tenacity, drive and energy to accompany a more skilled central midfield partner like Scholes or Carrick; much akin to Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez- Schweinsteiger duo.

Names constantly thrown about, include Victor Wanyama, Kevin Strootman and Thiago Alcântara. It’s no surprise Sir Alex had been looking at PSV’s Strootman, prior to his retirement. Those with a keen eye for the Eredivisie will know what the midfielder can offer. The youngster is defensively solid, has a keen eye for a pass and despite his tender years, is a leader of men.

Thiago Alcântara is an attack-minded midfielder who can operate effectively in midfield or just off the striker. With the dribbling ability and flair of a Brazilian and the range of passing we’ve come to expect from the Spanish, a move to Manchester would be well received by the fans.

The Spaniard would add craft and guile to the midfield, the kind of flair not seen since Paul Scholes was operating in his prime. The 22 year old would almost certainly get more playing time at any other top club in the Europe; it is just his luck he has to compete with Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas for playing time. His undeniable talent was on showcase at the recent UEFA U-21 Tournament; captaining the Spanish to glory as well as winning the Uefa U-21 Championship Golden Player.

For many seasons now, Manchester United have adapted their tactics in big games; whether in Europe or the Premier League; to counter their opponents and contain them – rather than attack. Often United have negated the central area of pitch and attacked teams from the flanks with their strong wing-play.

However, the productivity of their wingers this past season has been poor; Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia contributed a meagre 13 assists and two goals between them. With Tom Cleverly still finding his feet, Anderson seemingly on the way out and Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick’s partnership too one paced; midfield additions are long overdue at Old Trafford.

Let’s hope one of the aforementioned players is on their way to Old Trafford?

What’s your take? Who should United sign to bolster their midfield?

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