Manchester United fans are not feeling as bright as they have been in recent weeks here in the Football Transfer Tavern.
Perhaps because so many rival supporters have been quick to point out Louis van Gaal now holds an identical points tally to the one David Moyes had after 21 games at Old Trafford despite having spent £150 million more than his predecessor.
Sunday’s defeat at home to Southampton came as a shock given the way United had enjoyed a decent Christmas period and the talk from van Gaal had been about mounting a surprise title challenge during the second half of the season.
But Sunday’s match proved something of a reality check and as expected, the second half of the season will be about solidifying that place in the top four.
Perhaps something that would go some way to cheering United fans up is another big money signing as has been the case for the past 12 months.
With Chelsea representing stiff competition, Roma’s Kevin Strootman has also long been linked with a £30 million move to Old Trafford by sources such as The Mirror but it appears talk surrounding the Dutchman has gone a little quiet of late.
It is clear United are in need of a defensive midfielder so here we have identified five alternatives to the Roma star for van Gaal to take a look at this month.
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Click on Kevin Strootman to reveal 5 alternatives for Manchester United to consider.
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William Carvalho
Manchester United have a decent record when it comes to signing Portuguese youngsters (although Nani prevents it from being exceptional).
Twenty-two-year-old William Carvalho is understood to be the next big thing to emerge from Sporting Lisbon and United have been previously linked.
Carvalho will not come cheap however as Lisbon are demanding £35 million for his transfer but given United’s financial situation, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Whilst Carvalho is at an age where he can develop into a world class talent for years to come, he is also ready to go straight into the first eleven and make a difference.
Morgan Schneiderlin
The Frenchman has been one of the best defensive midfielders in English football over the past 18 months and has been key in Southampton’s rise to third in the Premier League.
It is no secret Schneiderlin came close to leaving the club in the summer when Tottenham expressed an interest and since that time, Arsenal have joined the race for his signature.
A number of Premier League clubs are in the hunt for a holding midfielder and with Schneiderlin proving to be one of the best in the business at present, it would be no surprise if United were the next club to attempt to lure him away from St Mary’s.
Fabian Delph
The Aston Villa man has refused to sign a new deal at Villa Park and is into the final six months of his contract. That means he will be availabel for a cut-price £7 million this month and with United in clear need of a defensive midfielder, Delph may be worth a shot.
He has been improving consistently in a struggling side under Paul Lambert and broke into Roy Hodgson’s England squad earlier in the season.
Delph has time on his side to improve further and would also help United’s ‘homegrown’ quota whilst being a lot more affordable than some alternative targets.
Moussa Sissoko
The France international has been the star of the season for Newcastle United with his performances attracting the attention of Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.
With Newcastle currently without a permanent manager following Alan Pardew’s appointment at Crystal Palace, now may be the opportune time to pounce and make an offer for United.
Sissoko is a phsyical box-to-box midfielder proven in the Premier League and at the asking price of £25 million, is a deal United could get done quickly ahead of their rivals if they so wished.
Paul Pogba
United are linked with a move for their former star almost every transfer window it seems.
And reports this month are no different with United said to still be in contact with Juventus over a possible £60 million move.
Some stories suggest Pogba wants to stay at Juventus whilst others claim the France international is keen to return to prove a point at Old Trafford, having been let go so cheaply once before.
There is one way for United to find which of these is true and that is launch that big money bid!
