Five other midfield targets United could sign.
SEE ALSO: All the Premier League done deals so far.
With Manchester United’s interest in Juventus star Arturo Vidal turning into something of a long-drawn out transfer saga, CaughtOffside takes a look at five other top-class midfield options that Louis van Gaal may want to consider as he searches for new signings in that position.
Central midfield remains something of a problem position for the Red Devils following the retirement of the legendary Paul Scholes, and van Gaal is still keen to bring in another new player in that part of the pitch despite already spending around £30m on bringing in Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.
Still, while Vidal is among the most exciting candidates to come in and add some world class quality to United’s midfield, there are plenty of others who could make equally good signings, with five of the best listed below.
Although usually a left-back, Ajax and Netherlands star Daley Blind can operate in a number of positions, including defensive midfield. The 24-year-old has been linked with Manchester United several times this summer due to the presence of his old national team boss Louis van Gaal, who is known to be a fan of his and who will have been impressed by the versatile player’s displays at this summer’s World Cup. With Patrice Evra leaving, Blind could compete with Luke Shaw for the left-back slot as well as providing an option in midfield, and looks an overrall useful signing for the Red Devils, as well as likely being one of the cheaper options on the market at the moment.
Thought to be United’s backup option to Arturo Vidal, it is today being reported that former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song could be Old Trafford-bound this summer. The Cameroon international has struggled for regular football at the Nou Camp since his move two years ago, but could benefit from the chance to play in the Premier League again after impressing during his days at the Emirates Stadium. A strong defensive player with an eye for a pass, Song could be ideal alongside the likes of Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick in the United engine room, and he will surely be available on the cheap as Barca seemingly have no plans for him.
3) Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)
A potentially superb signing, United have been linked on a number of occasions with Bastian Schweinsteiger this summer as they look for a solution to their midfield problems. The experienced German international has been with Bayern Munich for his entire career so far, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the world as he formed a key part of their treble-winning side in 2013, as well as proving pivotal to the German national team in their World Cup triumph in Brazil earlier this summer. A world class, experienced winner, this would no doubt be a superb signing by van Gaal if he can pull it off.
Like Arturo Vidal, Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin has become well known for being one of Serie A’s top midfield players, with his all-action displays at the San Siro following on from the fine promise he showed at his previous club Porto. The Colombian international has also been linked as a target for United on several occasions this summer, and may be the best suitable alternative to Vidal in terms of the qualities he offers on the pitch, with his great energy, passing ability and eye for goal.
A former youth player at Manchester United, French starlet Paul Pogba was certainly one that got away after quickly rising to world class status upon moving to Juventus on a free transfer in 2012. The superbly skillful 21-year-old is now widely regarded as being the best young player in the world at the moment, and is certainly up there with the best central midfielders. It remains to be seen if Pogba himself would welcome a return to Old Trafford after not being given a chance there earlier in his career, but United have been linked with an interest in the player, now valued at an incredible £60m. Pogba is Vidal’s midfield partner at Juventus, and is every bit as good as the Chilean, though with the added benefit of being six years younger.