Just as Manchester United seemed to be back on the right track, they went ahead and threw away all the good will they had won back with a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham.
David Moyes’ side have a frustrating habit of refusing to perform until they are at least two goals behind. It’s like the team is unwilling to commit bodies forward until they’re forced to put their backs against the wall. I can’t help but wonder if this is due to their new manager’s lack of tactical nous. Is he trying to turn Manchester United into a more expensive (and potentially less successful) Everton?
Either way, Manchester United’s performance against Spurs simply wasn’t good enough. Apart from a few individual performances (from the usual high-quality candidates), United were man-for-man, the worse team. But fans shouldn’t despair just yet. It is January after all.
That means that David Moyes is now able to dip his hand into the transfer window and pluck up the creative midfielder that this Manchester United team desperately needs. But who is he likely to be chasing over the coming weeks?
The Mirror claim that Manchester United are still in the running to sign Borussia Dortmund’s talented midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan. That’s despite the Bundesliga side’s chairman, Hans-Joachim Watzke’s recent claim to the contrary:
“If we believe everything that has been in the Spanish media about people who are supposedly leaving us, we would have to worry about being able to put a team together. We have not been told by Ilkay or his father that he wants to leave us.”
Despite his comments, Watzke must be concerned that Ilkay Gundogan has yet to put pen to paper on a new Dortmund deal. I can’t help but feel that Manchester United should at least test the waters and see if the talented German is interested in a move to the Premier League.
The 23-year-old is a complete midfielder. He’s capable of doing the dirty work (tough tackling, holding the ball up, making interceptions), but he’s more renowned for his technical ability, his eye for a pass and his quick feet. He’ll certainly add a bit of potency to a rather blunt looking Manchester United attack.
His excellent reputation is sure to inspire a considerable price-tag. But if Manchester United are willing to loosen the purse strings, they may just get a man who’s capable of turning their season around.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United shell out for Ilkay Gundogan?
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yes united should go all out for him which should probably be 30-40m which is highly justified. As they say they have the money, so why not? Of course its also highly unlikely but its not like United cant try, especially when they need someone like him (top class) more than ever and the fact that he’s not cup tied and just 23? Why no try to meet the valuation?
Mr moyes,try ur possible best n bring in gundogan,everton ribeiro,with dis two players i believe man utd midfield can dominate.
players like ilkay are the most needed.. i see no koje interest anymore. we must try gundogan he is good enough to turn things around..
please moyes
Just spend the money it’s Man U not Everton and it’s getting boreing all this transfer talk he is the player we need right now the players we have In midfield are a total waste of wages nani cleverly giggs to old Anderson there not fit to ware the Man U shirt and if moyes can’t see that he shouldn’t manage Stockport county never mind man united we need a big change in the middle of the park the game just passes out midfielders by I’ve never seen it as bad as it is now moyes is brakeing all the records but for all the wrong ressons sort it out before it’s to late