One of Louis Van Gaal’s main priorities this summer will be signing a player (or two) who can add some threat down the flanks. With Manchester United’s current options all offering diminishing returns, it’s time to look elsewhere. The new United boss will have a big transfer war-chest to spend this summer. Let’s just hope that he has his priorities right.
Take Nicolas Gaitan for example. The Argentine ace is a top quality option and certainly has the ability to make it at Old Trafford. With The Mirror reporting that Manchester United are interested (along with Tottenham, Liverpool and Zenit St Petersburg), a summer deal could be on the cards.
The source even carries quotes from Gaitan, who talks about his future. In it he references his club’s financial problems.
“At the moment I am totally focused on playing for Benfica since I have a contract with them. But I wouldn’t mind playing in a different league and, more importantly, to put the club first to help with their serious problems.”
That’s the first time I’ve heard a player position his exit from his current club as a way of helping out. Nicolas Gaitan isn’t just a good footballer, he’s a saint. He’s willing to do things that others players wouldn’t even think of, all for the greater good of Benfica FC.
Whatever his true motivation for moving on, Manchester United should be attempting to capitalise. If he is available this summer, it looks like he’d be a good fit for The Red Devils. Last season he scored 7 goals and made 10 assists in 42 games. Whilst that’s not a remarkable return, it does show that he can be effective in the final third.
But Gaitan is often the player who assists the assister. He moves the ball about with pace, isn’t afraid to take people on and has the technical ability to wreak havoc among opposition defenses. United fans may want somebody with a better goal-scoring record, but there’s little doubt that Gaitan is a good option.
What’s more, given his club’s financial situation, this deal shouldn’t be too hard for Manchester United to close.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United continue to chase Nicolas Gaitan?
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.