Manchester United are currently enjoying their second successive transitional season, which means they’re not in any kind of position to start picking up silverware. For a club that is now so accustomed to success (in football and financial terms), this could well be considered to be a fall from grace.
One thing’s for sure: the club’s fans can’t be entirely satisfied with their current position among the European elite. Shouldn’t Manchester United be working their way towards a Champions League final right now?
The only way they’re going to drag themselves back up to the top, is by signing the right players in the right areas of the pitch. Louis Van Gaal spent big last summer, but he didn’t spend smart. He’s going to have to adjust his priorities if he wants to turn things around.
He might want to start by adding a little more competitive edge in his midfield. He needs a player who can break up play (when necessary), win the ball back, make smart decisions and control possession. That player also needs to carry some threat moving forward, as I’m not sure that either Daley Blind or Marouane Fellaini are up to that particular challenge.
This brings me to Manchester United’s continued interest in Roma’s midfield dynamo, Radja Nainggolan. The Belgian battler is known for his presence, his physicality and his energy. He could prove to be a perfect fit for the Premier League.
The Metro claim that Manchester United have now ‘pulled ahead’ of Liverpool in the race to sign Nainggolan. A £29m bid could be on the cards. Wouldn’t that be something: The Red Devils could upset their rivals and sign a major talent in one fell swoop.
Spending almost £30m on one player is a fairly major step, but it strikes me that Louis Van Gaal needs to do something to shake his club out of the doldrums. This could prove to be a good start.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United battle Liverpool to sign Radja Nainggolan?
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.