Javier might not have had the B'allon D'or but he did have a balloon
1. Javier Pastore- Rumored to prefer a stay in Italy, but nevertheless, Pastore is a player more than capable of providing United with creative spark; he has been one of the Serie A’s most exciting attacking players since arriving from Argentina in 2009. A gifted dribbler, Pastore is composed on the ball, capable of creating an attack through movement on the dribble, or an incisive pass. At only twenty-two years old, the Argentinian international would fit United’s transfer policy to a tee; he has the potential to improve, and significant sell on value if he busts. Currently plying his trade at Palermo, Pastore lacks Champions League experience, and I wouldn’t count on him adjusting to the physicality of the Premier League, however, he still remains a decent second or third choice transfer target.
2. Samir Nasri- We already know that United have tabled a bid for the Frenchman; it was widely reported that Fergie’s twenty million pound query was rejected by Arsenal. Since then, Ferguoson has stated his doubt at the potential arrival of Nasri, making it clear that he suspects the midfielder will either stay at Arsenal or reject Manchester United for someone else. Personally, I see Nasri as a player who should only be signed in addition to a Sneijder/Pastore/Modric, he is less of an out and out midfielder, and more of a creative winger, capable of cutting in and weaving passes through. Unlike Pastore, Nasri has already proved that he is capable of cutting it in the Premier League, the former Marsielle man was especially impressive last season, though concerningly, he did fade a bit towards the end.
3. Luka Modric- More of a deep lying, regista type playmaker, Modric would represent a different option than that provided by Nasri or Sneijder. A Croatian international, Modric seems to have his heart set on a move to Chelsea, though even that transfer is unlikely due to Tottenham’s stubborn stance- one that Ferguson has had plenty of experience with in the past. Of all the midfielders linked to United, Modric is the one with the playing style most reminiscnet of that of the now retired Paul Scholes; the former Zagreb man is content to sit deep and ping passes around the park, rather than bomb forward in search of goals and assists. During his time at White Hart Lane, Modric has consistnetly proved himself adept at helping wingers into play, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t be able to replicate his great relationship with Bale and Lennon, and forge a dangerous partnership with Nani, Valencia and Young.
4. Marek Hamsik- Of all the four players listed, Marek Hamsik is the least likely to join, but he does meet United’s transfer specications perfectly. Still only a young player, the Slovakian boasts World Cup experience, as well as that of a title chase in a top class European league. A rumored target of AC Milan, Hamsik has made it clear that he wishes to leave Naples for pastures new, leaving the possibility of a move to United viable, if perhaps a little unlikely. Hamsik would certainly add something to the United attack, last year he forged a dangerous relationship with Napoli duo Lavezzi and Cavani, as the trio of attackers helped make Napoli one of the most feared sides in Italian football.
So, it seems that United’s search for creativity will continue to drag on. Personally, I would like to see Sneijder playing for us next season, though Modric wouldn’t be bad either..
Comment with your say on United’s midfield hunt.
Read more by David Yaffe-Bellany @ In For The Hat Trick and follow him on Twitter @INFTH
GOOD ARTICLE ON THE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS,BUT I HAVE AN ADDITION TO MAKE.THE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS ARE WESLEY SNEIDJER,WESLEY SNEIDJER,WESLEY SNEIDJER AND WESLEY SNEIDGER. never has a replacement for a great player looked so perfect.
hey… how about bastian schweinsteiger…
Once again next season we’ll an average midfield who cannot compete with Europes elite. Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher are simply not good enough to win the champions league with. Fair enough the Premier league is our priority as it always is. But come on, Fergie himself has stated that the champions league is where we’re fallen short during his tenure. Sneijder, Modric or Nasri were never going to sign for utd due to our stringent yankee transfer policy. Pissed off to say the least. It would have been nice going into next season thinking we had a chance of dominating Europe. Glazers out.
Nice to see you let someone else think for you. It must be difficult. The “yankee” transfer policy has been in effect before the Glazers came, this is Fergies modus. And MU is second in Europe, so how is this not being able to compete with the “elite”, if it was as easy as buying bodies then RM or City would have already won the next 5 CL finals. MU can create as well as the best, they just don’t have the DM that contols the area in front of the back line, someon like Makalele, Essien, Schweinsteiger, De Rossi, Busquets. MU doesn’t need Sneijder, Nasri, Sanchez. You want Sneijder at a salary more than Rooney? You think he’s better than Rooney?
Yeah, actually he is better than Rooney. When Rooney leads his team to a WC final or CL victory in the commanding way Sneijder has done, then we can speak again.
The only alternativen for sneijder is the guy who is playing his position in Ajax Christian Eriksen. He is 19 years old great technique and vision, he almost destroyed England.
Defour?
why are u ppl wth som one’s attention? fergie denies sneijder interst, after so many years chasing him, now dt ever thng seems to over, u’re denyng it? keep on regreting abt players u loss, like: ronaldnho, ballack, oezil. jus thnk abt it,
Personally I’m quite happy that the Sneijder deal is looking less likely. I don’t like seeing United pay ridiculous sums of money for players that are basically flavour of the month – lets not forget that Sneijder himself only cost £16 million a couple of years ago. He is not a better player today than he was then (or, at least, not £20 million worth of better), but he was a more unfashionable player a couple of years ago and that’s why he was cheaper.
How about Arteta? Experienced and creative, he would come at a relative bargain and, at 28, would keep things ticking over nicely until Ravel Morrison is ready to step up.
Or perhaps Gourcuff or Marvin Martin? – Young, hungry players with something to prove that would have a chance of becoming truely great at Old Trafford.
Would all of U shut up!!!!! Sneijder will sign for United!
One more thing: Hamsik-100mil (zamparinni said),pastore want only Italy move,nasri stay,Modric want to chelsea desperately !
Modric.
As long as it’s not Sneijder. Wll not fit.