2. Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)
Another player who could have been perfect as a replacement for Paul Scholes is Thiago Alcantara, who was made available by La Liga giants Barcelona this summer due to his falling down some big names in the club’s pecking order. Manchester United then seemed to be leading the queue for his signature against the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea, though in the end they took too long to conclude a deal and the Spanish playmaker completed a move to Bayern Munich, being reunited with his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the star-studded treble winners.
Alcantara’s vision and technique make him a different kind of option in midfield to Fellaini, and he seems very much to be the quality of player this side is crying out for in that area. At Bayern, however, he is one of many talented playmakers and barely seems needed, so United will certainly be kicking themselves over this loss.