Why it’s time for Manchester United to give up on Cesc Fabregas and target this £15m man:

Despite David Moyes’ best efforts, Manchester United have been highly underwhelming in this summer’s transfer window.

It’s all to easy to suggest that it’s down to the ex-Everton man himself. That he somehow doesn’t offer the same appeal as the man he replaced, Sir Alex Ferguson.

But this strikes me as nonsense. We don’t know exactly how involved David Moyes gets with negotiations (his recent comments would suggest not very) and United’s failings this summer seem to be due to the nature of the transfer market itself, rather than any fault on the part of Moyes.

Whilst it was disappointing to miss out on Thiago Alcantara, the chance to link up with Pep Guardiola once more, would have been too good for the youngster to pass up. Likewise, United’s two recent bids for Cesc Fabregas (one at £26m, the other at £30m) seemed destined to fail from the start, given the player’s association with Arsenal and his desire to be a success at his boyhood club, Barcelona.

Speaking to the Press recently, Moyes comments seemed to suggest a pragmatism that isn’t embedded within most fans: “I think a point does come but I think when you are interested in good players you want to give it every opportunity to materialise. And I’ll do that. I’ll hope that things can continue to try to move forward.” (Source: The Mirror)

The man’s right: you can go into negotiations with the best will in the world, but sometimes it just ain’t gonna happen. The sooner Manchester United realise this is the case with Cesc Fabregas, the better. Then United can start to look at more viable midfield options.

There’s a clear need for a creative midfielder at United. All this uhming and ahhing when it comes to Fabregas may well damage the Red Devils in the long-term.

There’s been talk (in The Mirror) of a £15m move for Yohan Cabaye. Whilst this wouldn’t be as exciting as a big money move for Cesc Fabregas, there’s little doubting the Frenchman’s talent. Whether it’s from a deadball situation, or in the middle of the action, Cabaye is capable of delivering that killer ball.

He’d be a smart addition to this United squad. His purchase would also mean that Moyes has further money to invest in his defence. Indeed, signing Cabaye and another defender would be significantly smarter than wasting time on Cesc Fabregas.

What’s your take? Is it time for Manchester United to give up on Cesc Fabregas? Would Yohan Cabaye be a good alternative?

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