Though there have been signs of a Manchester United revival in recent weeks, the 2-1 defeat against Spurs was a bitter reminder of the problems that this club currently has. Even as results pick up, these issues don’t just drift away.
Robin Van Persie has injury issues (that’s a phrase that Arsenal fans are more accustomed to), the midfield lacks creativity and the defence is aging. What’s more, the Manchester United top brass have put David Moyes in charge and he’s struggling to find the right tactical balance for his new side.
As a result, The Red Devils will get found out from time to time. Unless the club is ready and willing to spend some cash during the transfer window, these issues will persist. I can only hope that Moyes has been drawing up a wishlist of players who would help to turn Manchester United into a threat once more.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see what he gets up to this January.
One player he’s known to be interested in is Real Madrid left-back, Fabio Coentrao. Moyes attempted to wrap up a deal for him on deadline day, but Madrid were unable to bring in a replacement and thus weren’t willing to agree terms. Well, according to The Mirror, Manchester United could be about to move in for him once more.
The Portuguese full-back has played just twice for Real Madrid this season and has reportedly been told that he’s welcome to leave should a club come in for him during the January transfer window. With the World Cup fast approaching, I’m sure he’d be keen for a move.
He’s believed to have a £12m price-tag, which certainly puts him within Manchester United’s financial wheelhouse. They’d have to pay a lot more for Leighton Baines, a player who they’ve attempted to sign twice before.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that Coentrao, at 25-years-old, is four years younger than Baines and thus probably represents a better investment. Baines would likely be able to make a quicker impact at Old Trafford, due to his Premier League experience, but Coentrao has genuine long-term potential.
He’s about to enter the best years of his playing career. I can’t help but hope that he does so with Manchester United.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United make another move for Fabio Coentrao?
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