Since replacing Sir Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford dugout as manager, David Moyes has had a number of key decisions to make. He has already reshaped his backroom staff, bringing in a combination of Manchester United legends and former colleagues from Everton, but what about the players he has to work with in his debut season?
Overall, Moyes has a good group of players to work with, but there are one or two problems which he will have to solve sooner rather than later. The first one is the on-going Wayne Rooney saga – the England forward has spoken of his anger about possibly playing second fiddle to Robin van Persie, and he has subsequently been linked with moves to both Arsenal and Chelsea.
Cesc to cure their ills?
Arguably the most pressing concern that Moyes will have when looking for new faces to recruit is how to revamp the central midfield. A combination of ageing and injury-prone stars such as Darren Fletcher occupy that part of the pitch for the Reds, so the addition of at least one marquee name in that position might be seen as imperative if they are to succeed domestically and in Europe.
United have been linked with a move for Everton’s Marouane Fellaini, who has plenty of great attributes to help make the Reds seem like a more rounded outfit, but someone a little classier may be required. Barcelona’s ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, who has been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou after a tricky first season back in his native Catalonia, fits the bill, but could he join? He is priced at 5/4 with Ladbrokes to be a Utd player next season.
Big reunion
Although he was brought back to Barcelona as a long-term replacement for the evergreen Xavi, he hasn’t started as regularly as he had hoped, and had been played out of position several times. A move to United would let him play in his preferred central role, allowing the likes of Ashley Young to do their job more effectively.
If he is to move to United rather than Arsenal, who allegedly have a buy-back clause, he will be reunited with former Gunners teammate Robin van Persie. The chance to link up with the prolific Dutchman could help to give United what they need when trying to win their first piece of European silverware for some time, as well as seeing off all comers in the Premier League.