Reports in recent days have linked Manchester United with a double raid on Aston Villa for Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar to sort out the two pressing concerns in Louis van Gaal’s squad: the lack of a commanding centre-back and the absence of a genuine holding midfielder.
Despite having spent over £150m during the summer, the Red Devils are rumoured to be ready to rip open the chequebook once again and throw paper around to solve the issues, regardless of their chances of a top four finish.
So with money little object and the lure of life at Old Trafford still a big draw, could United do better than, no disrespect to the pair, Vlaar and Delph? We at Football FanCast think so, so here are SEVEN alternatives to be considered…
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Kevin Strootman
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Despite him being in a bit of hot water over a gesture towards Juventus fans, Strootman is likely to be a player Manchester United go for in January. Louis van Gaal is known to be a massive fan of the midfielder he coached in the Holland set-up, and had it not been for the knee injury – which he’s still recovering from – suffered last season, the 24-year-old would have been the hub of his World Cup side.
As the stats show, Strootman is extremely effective from just in front of his own backline, with his reading of the game allied to a spiky attitude making him fearsome option. Much depends on his recovery from injury, but if he can get back to full fitness, don’t be surprised if an offer of around £40m is sent Roma’s way.
Neven Subotic
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While the long-running pursuit of Mats Hummels looks to be at an end following his recent comments on the transfer speculation that has plagued him, his Dortmund team-mate Subotic remains an option. The Serbian may not be as classy on the ball as his German partner, but his never-say-die attitude and awesome strength make him a top class centre-back.
The 25-year-old could be available for the right price in January, and would certainly bring more of a physical presence to United’s backline than is currently being offered by the likes of Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Paddy McNair.
Cheick Tiote
Okay, Tiote may not be a name to get pulses racing at Old Trafford, but the Ivorian could be a wise purchase. Unlike any of United’s current midfield options, the Newcastle man will be happy to sit in front of his backline and offer protection, which, in turn, could stem the flow of goals at the wrong end.
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Tiote has already revealed that he’s keen to leave St James’ Park, so an offer of around £8m-£10m (regardless of the Magpies’ ludicrous £16m valuation) could be enough to land the combative and energetic 28-year-old.
Joao Miranda
At 30, Miranda’s best days may be limited, but the Brazilian would be an ideal short-term fix. The Atletico Madrid man has been key to the Rojiblancos’ recent domestic and European successes, with his organisational skills and composure key attributes.
Atleti may find an offer of around £20m for their ageing star too good to turn down, which is sure to be tempting fro Van Gaal.
William Carvalho
//www.youtube.com/embed/jL__qJvIhl4
Reports as early as January of this year suggested that United were closing in on the Portuguese enforcer, but with the sacking of David Moyes the trail went cold. Although unproven outside of his home nation, the Sporting Lisbon ace boasts all of the skills and characteristics to be a hit in the Premier League, with strength, power and decent range of passing all present in the 22-year-old.
Sporting’s initial valuation of £37m has fallen to as low as a reported £20m, so United could move for him, instead of Delph.
Angelo Ogbonna
Big, powerful and speedy, Ogbonna looks like the full package. He may not be the most glamorous of names, but United are rumoured to be watching the Italy international, with reports suggesting that he will look to leave Juventus in January if he’s dislodged fro the first XI.
At 26, Ogbonna has plenty of miles left on the clock, and is well-versed in playing in a back three – which LVG may look to go back to in the future.
Lars Bender/h3>
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17-time Germany international Bender may be worth a punt. The classy holding midfielder offers a nice balance of creativity and destruction, and has been a key performer for Bayer Leverkusen since stepping up from their B team a few years ago.
Arsenal have been linked with a £20m move for Bender, but United could gazump the Gunners with a big contract offer in January. As the stats show, he’s maintained a decent passing record through his career, which could improve around better players at old Trafford.
