Every signing has its advantages and its disadvantages, that’s a given. For example, the deal that brought Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Man Utd offered an obvious immediate impact as well as experience, but those traits came at the cost of longevity. Likewise, Paul Pogba’s arrival demanded a huge financial outlay, but as one of Europe’s best midfielders, it was a risk worth taking.
Particularly at a huge club like Man Utd, it’s important that Red Devils seek to ensure that any deal that they complete has more of the former, rather than the latter.
That’s why, when Man Utd were linked with Bayern Munich star Thiago earlier this week, we immediately got thinking about how this deal could work out for the Red Devils. It’s a deal that could work out wonderfully for the club, but it could also go horribly wrong.
It makes sense, then, to compare both sides of the coin.
With that said, 2 pros and 2 cons to Man Utd launching a huge move for Thiago…
There’s no doubt about it, Thiago is up there with Europe’s best creators.
His ability with the ball at his feet is second-to-none, and that is something that the Red Devils are seriously lacking at present.
He excels when he’s given the ball in a deep position, and then he’s able to make a calculated decision as to whether move it forwards himself or produce a simple, or indeed long, pass that could change the face of the game.
He’s a gamechanger, it’s as simple as that.
Thiago’s fitness record should be a real concern.
He made just 12 league starts last season, and though that was due in part to the strong depth available at Bayern Munich, that wasn’t the sole reason.
The fact of the matter is that he was simply unavailable for much of the campaign, and that should fire warnings signs towards Old Trafford.
Muscular injuries aren’t something that can be ignored, and Thiago has had plenty of them over the years.
He’s only 27-years-old, but he’s had a career that most players close to retirement could only dream of.
He’s a 1-time European Champions League (UCL) winner, he’s won numerous leagues in Germany and in Spain, and he’s also got many domestic cups to his name.
In all, Thiago is a trophy-laden midfielder that knows how to win big leagues and cups – and that’s what Man Utd lack.
If Jose Mourinho really wants to build a team capable of domination, they need to know how to win, and Thiago certainly does.
However, it’s also important that he can play a role in the squad, and it’s far from certain that he would be an undisputed starter at Old Trafford.
Of any position in the squad, the centre of the midfield will be the hardest to break into.
Between Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, who have been Mourinho’s preferred choices so far, and new signing Fred, that alone won’t be easy. Beyond that, the likes of Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay could all also feature, meaning that Thiago would have a battle on his hands.
Perhaps, then, Man Utd’s money is better spent elsewhere.
