David Moyes spent large swathes of last summer chasing after players who didn’t end up moving to Manchester United. Neither Thiago Alcantara nor Cesc Fabregas fancied a move to Old Trafford. Manchester United were also thought to have been after Everton’s Leighton Baines, but a move never materialised.
As things stand, it’s unclear whether this was due to the player’s apathy, or whether United just weren’t willing to cough up the money Everton were asking for.
If the left back wasn’t interested in the summer, I’m sure what he’s seen thus far this year will have done little to endear him. Manchester United have been shockingly bad this season. They’ve been out-classed by their direct rivals, and out-run by ‘lesser’ clubs like West Brom.
Whilst they eventually ended up winning their last Premier League game against Stoke City, they did go behind against Mark Hughes’ team twice. In other words, there’s very little that’s impressive about this Manchester United team.
And that’s why they need to be chasing after top quality players like Leighton Baines. The Everton full-back is easily the best left-back in the country. Yes, I’m still a fan of Ashley Cole and the man’s still capable of producing the goods, but he’s just not on Baines’ level anymore.
Baines is a complete left-back. He’s resolute in defense, quick up and down the flanks and he has a fierce, highly accurate cross on him. He also just so happens to be one of the best set-piece artists in the Premier League.
With Patrice Evra’s future uncertain, Manchester United should certainly be looking at bolstering this area of the pitch. Even if Evra does end up staying, it’s clear that he’s not going to offer the same level of energy, drive, pass and quality as he used to.
The Star claims that David Moyes is willing to spend £15m to bring his ex-Everton charge over to Old Trafford. With Baines’ contract about to expire at the end of the season, Manchester United could actually be in a position of power here.
Moyes may have struggled to close deals over the summer, but he’s already got a connection with Baines, knows the Everton top brass and has money to make deals happen. There should be no stopping him.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United go back in for Leighton Baines?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
My take is – to talk a load of nonsense – made up regurgitated rubbish. I could do so much better than you – you sound like a trainee journo – you must do better.
Baines doesn’t have the quality to be a Man U player. He and fellaini are only good at Everton. There are younger and better players on that position.
clown!
Your reporter is a clown. United have by their standards started poorly. Yet to say their is nothing exciting about this side is a joke. Best keeper in league, brought in from the reserves one on the most gifted players to play from united since Ronaldo in Adnan januazaj. Rooney been outstanding, plus we have van persie! Right us off at you peril.
What we require still is a play maker, and centre half. Moyes should buy. Rues, Barkley, Shawand Hummels
Sell nani, Ando, and young. Bring in from reserves larnel Cole.
Best keeper in the league hahaha,whens your next stand up show,would like to be there for it.
Yes. Banies is not good for united..let us go fot contanho at madrid o