Louis van Gaal has admitted that he has made a defensive midfielder a priority this summer, and his Manchester United side have been heavily linked to several potential signings for this position.
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The team’s current incumbent, Michael Carrick, 33, missed a total of 21 games through injury last season [Transfer Markt], an indication that his career at Old Trafford may be coming to an end.
The England international has been a key figure for the Red Devils, exerting both an authority and a calm in the centre of the park. However, his limited playing time in the 2014-15 campaign means that van Gaal is actively looking for players who can operate in the same role, according to Sky Sports.
We’ve taken a look at five potential replacements to the 33-year-old, including Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger…
5. Kevin Strootman – AS Roma
The Netherlands international has previously been linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams with his former international manager van Gaal said to be eager to coach the midfielder once again in his managerial career [via the Independent].
Had it not have been for persistent serious knee injuries over the past two seasons – in which he has missed a total of 53 games over the last two campaigns [via Transfer Markt] – ESPN suggest that the Dutch midfielder may already have completed a Red Devils transfer.
While his injury record is a major concern, at 25-years-old, there is still time for his career to come back to life.
4. Bastian Schweinsteiger – Bayern Munich
The World Cup winner, Pep Guardiola stated in quotes from BBC Sport, is yet to decide whether his future is to be at the Allianz Arena or whether he could be tempted by a transfer to Old Trafford this summer.
At 30-years-old, Red Devils fans may have concerns over the Germany captain’s ability to adapt to England’s physically demanding top flight in the latter stages of his career.
However, Schweinsteiger has remained a key player for the Bundesliga giants – making 25 appearances in all competitions, despite missing 22 games through injury, throughout the last campaign [via Transfer Markt]. His experience in Europe could prove invaluable with a much-changed dressing room of new signings at Old Trafford.
2. Lucas Biglia – Lazio
Argentina’s deep-lying playmaker has attracted interest from both Manchester United and Real Madrid, the Express have reported, and the British newspaper believe that the Red Devils are leading the chase for his signature.
The 29-year-old averaged 3.7 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per-game, and despite nearing the age landmark of 30, Biglia’s performances do not appear to be easing up.
3. Marco Verratti – Paris Saint-Germain
The 22-year-old is one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe, and his performances in the Champions League last season – in which he averaged 4.6 tackles per-game for the competition’s quarter-finalists – suggest that the Italy international could be a welcome addition to any of Europe’s giants.
What’s more, the Parc des Princes star has drawn comparisons to Andrea Pirlo in his attacking play, and has spoken of his influence in style by Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta [via Goal].
With the midfielder arguably yet to reach his peak, he could become one of the finest in his position in world football.
1. Morgan Schneiderlin – Southampton
Reports [via the Independent] claimed that the Red Devils have had a £20m bid rejected for the Saints midfielder, but Ronald Koeman is holding out for £25m for his star midfielder.
Schneiderlin was at the heart of Southampton’s success last season.
The 25-year-old averaged more tackles per-game – with 3.7 – than the Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic – who scored an average of 3.6 – and the France international boasted a pass success rate of 89.3%.
With excellent experience in the Premier League, settling into his rhythm at the Theatre of Dreams could take little time.
