Manchester United have made a number of top signings this summer. Players like Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria are almost certain to help steady The Red Devils’ ship. How can quality options like that fail to make their mark?
These signings were made out of necessity. Manchester United have been on a slippery slope ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. David Moyes simply exacerbated the situation and as of yet, Louis Van Gaal has struggled to rectify the situation.
Players like Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata have been drafted in, but they too have been slow to adapt to their new surroundings.
This is all stuff you know, so how about something a little more news-worthy? According to The Metro, Manchester United were close to signing Barcelona superstar, Xavi this summer. I’ll repeat that: The Red Devils, were close to agreeing a deal for Xavi, one of world football’s biggest names.
Despite the Spaniard’s age, it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t have made a bigger impact than the likes of Juan Mata or even Angel Di Maria.
Let’s take a brief look at the 34-year-old’s storied career. Having come through La Masia, Xavi made his first team debut for Barca back in August 1998. Fast forward to 2014 and he’s now played more than 700 games, scored 83 goals and made more than 180 assists. He’s a super-effective individual.
More than that, however, he’s helped Barcelona to develop their tiki-taka style of play. He’s been integral to Barcelona developing their identity over the last decade or so. It’s almost impossible to envision him ever leaving the Nou Camp.
Still, The Metro claim that ‘Xavi was intrigued’ by Manchester United’s ‘offer because it would mean linking up with Louis Van Gaal again – the man who gave him his debut at Barca’. In the end, however, he decided to stay with Barcelona. He truly is a one club man.
It’s hard not to let the imagination run wild, picturing what Xavi could have done in a Manchester United shirt. His immaculate passing game, ability to deliver a quality pass and smart footballing brain could have made all the difference. We just have to hope that Angel Di Maria and co. are up to the task.
What’s your take? Would you have liked to have seen Xavi in a Manchester United shirt?
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