Manchester United and Liverpool. The biggest and most hotly-contested online betting rivalry in English football. But with the recent decline at Old Trafford, it has all been one-way traffic in terms of where the power lays now. The red half of Manchester is desperately in need of something or someone to galvanise them,  and this is what makes a potential move for ex-Anfield star Philippe Coutinho all the more interesting. United have something to prove, and so does Coutinho. It all sounds like a perfect match.

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Barcelona are considering selling the midfielder this summer, and would demand around €100m to part ways with the Brazilian. The Red Devils and Chelsea are the two clubs who have 'asked the most about' the midfielder, and that a sensational return to the Premier League could be on the cards. It could be the sort of blockbuster signing that United fans have been craving for, and perhaps most importantly, could be a real game-changer on the pitch.

For a club with the history and tradition of United, the emphasis always has to be playing front-foot football, dominating the game and creating chance after chance. Since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, the football has been nothing short of stale and boring, prompting regular chants of 'attack, attack, attack'. The onus this season has been trying to counter-attack, and whilst that strategy seemed to work in the early weeks of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign, it came unstuck towards the closing stages of the season, culminating in two embarrassing games to Huddersfield and Cardiff.

Signing Coutinho would bring that attacking flair that they desperately need, and take some of the creative burdens away from Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. The Brazilian's incredible vision and technique would mean great news for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial who thrive on balls behind the defence, and open up a whole range of possibilities going forward. Where before United could be defined as a one-trick pony, Coutinho's arrival would see them become a jack of all trades.

Indeed, the 26-year-old's Premier League experience in the numerous seasons he was on Merseyside would only add to the value of signing him; no transitional period, no getting used to the physical demands of the league, just straight into the action. At the Camp Nou, the playmaker has been left to mull in the shadows of Lionel Messi and co. At Old Trafford, he could quickly become the heart and soul of the club like he was at Liverpool.

So whilst United fans may feel concerned about signing someone who appears to have lost his magic and mojo since leaving Liverpool, the Brazilian could embody the rebuilding job that is required in Manchester. The club needs something new, but it could well be someone old from their arch-rivals, who could well lead them into the future.

United fans, would you back a move for Coutinho this summer? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below...