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Its less than a month for the 2013 English Premier League campaign to get under way, and it looks more open than ever. Manchester United‘s tough start to its title defense under new manager David Moyes will be fully tested by the return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, and a confident Manchester City looking really strong under new manager Manuel Pellegrini.
It has been a rather disappointing transfer window for United and its fans, losing out on the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Kevin Strootman. The Red Devils have not yet made any major signings so far, though being linked with some top players. Rooney’s unstable position adds to United’s problem.
Marouane Fellaini of Belgium celebrates a goal during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Group A qualifying match between Belgium and Serbia at the King Baudouin stadium on June 07, 2013 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Laurent Dubrule/Photonews via Getty Images)
Despite United being linked with Cesc Fabregas and Tottenham superstar Gareth Bale, 25 year-old Everton mid-fielder Marouane Fellaini is the go-to man for United. Though not as gifted a footballer as someone like Fabregas, his mere presence on the field is a massive boost for the team. Here are 3 reasons why United should sign Fellaini.
United’s midfield impasse
United’s midfield madness seems to be getting bigger as the day goes by, and Fellaini is their ideal man. The 6 ft 4 Belgium dynamite does not have the killer passes of someone like Scholes, his unorthodox style of play, often termed ‘unplayable’, solves the Red Devils’ problem of a perfect central defensive midfielder.
With excellent chest control, great technique and presence on either side of the field, he gives a massive boost to any team. Fellaini is always a major threat in set-pieces and his asserting physical dominance also provides more stability to an ageing United back four.
Fellaini’s imposing stature when the opponent has possession, his ability to keep the ball in play in tight situations and make forward runs and create goal scoring opportunities makes him the ideal man United should be looking for.
Along with Michael Carrick, Fellaini provides the right balance as a central defensive midfielder to United. He may turn out to be a bigger signing than any top player.
Big gamble for the big man
Marouane Fellaini would prove a great buy for Manchester United
In addition to Fellaini’s style of play addressing all the midfield problems of the English champions, signing him for £15 – £20 million is a huge gain for United. Rather than shelling out £40 million for the likes of Fabregas, signing Fellaini increases United’s chances of spending a large amount of money on Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo in the near future.
Fellaini is especially a good buy, as he had previously played under Moyes. Fellaini will only get better with age, and his physical strength will be a great advantage as the EPL gets physically tougher with each passing season.
With United giving Moyes the green light to shell out about £100 million, the newly appointed Scot can make a long-lasting signing for a small price.
Do or die for David Moyes
Can David Moyes live up to expectations?
At the start of every season, United fans would be grinning at the trophy knowing that the godly figure of Sir Alex, jumping around the dug-out, would bring glory. They know that this season is not going to be the same. Although its nearly impossible to match Sir Alex’s collection of silverware, it is uncertain whether Moyes will find his shoes too big to fill.
A few of the fans feel that a manager with no Champions League experience is a bad choice, and that United shouldn’t have lost out on Jose Mourinho. This is Moyes’s chance to silence the chumps.
While the Fabregas deal seems unlikely and with Bale under Real Madrid’s radar, Fellaini is certainly a smart choice. Moyes is seen as a long-term replacement of Sir Alex, and his signings should certainly be, too.
