Had it not been for a changing of the managerial guard at all of the Premier League’s top three clubs, the focus would have almost entirely been solely on David Moyes this summer. The new Manchester United boss has never had the luxury of virtually unlimited finance before, and with the Red Devils camp still remaining quiet regarding future purchases, we are yet to see what avenue Moyes will take in the transfer market.
Whether he will spend big or small, sign superstars or useful parts to the Old Trafford jigsaw remains to be seen, yet the overwhelming rumour that has emerged since the Scot’s appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor has been the potential purchase of two of his former employees at Goodison – Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini.
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But should Moyes be so keenly reliant upon signing the two Everton boys? Is it more telling of his naivety at the highest level that he expects both to comfortably make the step up from a club with relatively little pressure to succeed to a club that can claim to be one of Europe’s footballing superpowers? Are there more risks than meet the eye, and would the two potential transfers be worthwhile?
Moyes’ first priority in the transfer market will undoubtedly be to sign a central midfielder. In the past few years, Ferguson has let opportunities to sign John Obi Mikel, Moussa Dembele and Wesley Sneijder slip by, and following the retirement of Paul Scholes in addition to Darren Fletcher still in recovery from stomach surgery, the issue of United’s midfield future needs to be addressed this summer.
But should the outstanding candidate for the role be Marouane Fellaini? The Belgium international has just come to the end of his most successful campaign in England, recording 11 goals and five assists in 31 Premier League appearances, and for the first half of the season was virtually unplayable – his hot form kicked off with an exceptional display against none other than the Red Devils during the Premier League’s opening weekend, scoring the single, deciding goal of the afternoon and dominating Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic in the air.
Yet at Old Trafford, the 25 year-old’s role would be comparatively different to this season. Rather than being an attacking threat, Moyes would use him first and foremost to add some physicality and power to United’s midfield, to provide protection for Michael Carrick and the back four. Fellaini is certainly capable of doing so, and we often witnessed his defensive utility, but if it is mettle alone that Moyes is looking for, there are cheaper and more accustomed candidates on the market.
Lars Bender for example possesses a much higher work-rate than the Everton midfielder, in addition to being more mobile and still capable of producing end product, with three goals and six assists for Bayer Leverkusen this season. Similarly, Celtic’s Victor Wanyama is clearly destined for a higher calling than the SPL, having impressed in the Champions League and become the most physically dominant midfielder in the Scottish top flight, all at the age of just 21. Both cannot compete with Fellaini’s Premier League experience, yet both are younger than the Belgian and both could be available for half of Fellaini’s costly £30million price-tag.
Similarly, a physical midfielder might not be quite what the Red Devils need. Over the past few years United have been their most efficient and profitable with Paul Scholes partnering Michael Carrick, with the pair bringing to the table enough quality and composure on the ball to enforce control over any match via their pulling of the strings and direction of play in the middle of the park. There are plenty of more creative midfielders who could be available should the price be right, such as Kevin Strootman, Yohan Cabaye, and Luka Modric. That being said, Fellaini’s utility is undeniable; his ability to play a rather unique role in attacking midfield would give Moyes a solid Plan B, and the importance of height at both ends of the pitch should never be underestimated in the Premier League.
Whilst central midfield is a clear priority for the United boss, the situation regarding the left-back slot is comparatively different. The Red Devils already possess two senior left-backs in Patrice Evra and Alexander Buttner, with both having an impact amid the Premier League champions’ successful campaign. Bringing in Leighton Baines would undoubtedly be an improvement, with the former United player reaching the twilight of his career and the latter yet to prove he is ready to be first team regular, but the transfer is by no means a necessity unless Evra takes a widely rumoured pay-out to join up with former club Monaco.
That being said, Baines has been by far the strongest left-back in the English top flight this season. The England international finishes the footballing year with five goals and five assists in 38 Premier League appearances, is the division’s most creative player according to OPTA, having created 116 chances to score, and has even rivalled Ashley Cole’s position in the Three Lions set up. Furthermore, his ability from dead ball situations makes him one of the biggest set piece threats in the top flight.
The only concern with Leighton Baines is whether his price-tag can be justified considering his age. The 28 year old still has a good few years left in the tank, but considering his importance to Everton and Bill Kenwright’s reluctance to let his star defender leave, any fee involved could well exceed the £15million mark – an excessive amount even by the standards of the modern market for a full-back who has already reached his peak years.
Similarly, with Evra himself recording four goals and five assists this season, would Baines’ acquisition bring any greater benefit to United’s cause? Buttner has many fans amongst the Old Trafford faithful, and some would prefer to see the Netherlands international share first team duties with Evra for a year before taking over the role completely.
Although David Moyes is desperate to step out of his predecessor’s shadow, he must ask himself what would Ferguson do. Both would be solid and stable acquisitions to the United roster, yet neither would add any further star quality and both have their fair share of drawbacks. Fellaini is useful, tried and tested, but his ill-discipline and poor attitude is not befitting of the Red Devils’ mould, whilst Baines is English and presents uniquely technical skills for a full-back, but his age in terms of cost-effectiveness will remain an issue.
The Scot could certainly do with some on pitch allies; for all his reputation, he will still need to win over the support and confidence of the squad at Old Trafford. But the ploy could easily backfire – should Moyes’ tenure get off to a poor start, the Everton pair would become synonymous with the United gaffer’s failings.
Both transfers represent more risk than meets the eye, and it will probably come down to fees. Manchester United are by no means penny-pinchers, yet Moyes initial purchases in the transfer market will have to be a success if he is to have a bright start to his tenure. The proposed £40million fee, for the pair, as quoted in the tabloids, seems like a realistic price for both, yet it is still a lot of money for the Scot to part with in his first transfer window, for two players who will overall not be considered as marquee stars of the first team.
Despite the media focus, there are undoubtedly other candidates on Moyes’ radar. Yet he knows more than anyone what Fellaini and Baines are capable of and where their abilities can take them, having brought both of them to Goodison Park during his 11 year spell with the Toffees. Rather than club officials, coaches, the owners or scouts getting involved, the decision will rest on his shoulders. He must consider all of the alternatives however, as whoever he brings in during his inaugural transfer window will be representatives of his tenure at Manchester United and a new era for the Premier League champions.
Should Moyes sign Fellaini and Baines or will the Scotsman focus his attention elsewhere?
Let us know what you think below!
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