4 players who could solve Manchester United’s midfield conundrum

Ilkay Gundogan – Borussia Dortmund

Gundogan has not played for the majority of the season due to a back injury, but that has not deterred clubs from making him their prime target. The 23-year-old is wanted by Real Madrid and Barcelona as well as Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail.

The German is a complete midfield player – capable in both attack and defence – and he has become a well-polished diamond in the Dortmund midfield since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at the club.

He was one of the central figures at Borussia Dortmund as they reached the final of the Champions League and he received copious amounts of praise for his performances in Die Borussen’s two semi-final games against Real Madrid

Whilst he has genuine attacking capabilities, Gundogan’s work-rate and passing are his key components – enabling him to control the midfield from deep. Last season he averaged an 87% pass rate accuracy and is very much in the Xavi and Andres Iniesta bracket in terms of not wasting possession.

Gundogan Average Duels Won 2012/13

Gundogan plays in a different style to the rest of the names considered in this article and his arrival at Old Trafford would also benefit the defensive aspect of United’s game play. Having completed 80% of his tackles last season, alongside 63 interceptions, the German clearly has a real knack for reading the game and breaking up opposition attacking moves.

David Moyes is lacking a midfield enforcer and Gundogan could fill the current void in this position, especially if reports suggesting a price tag of £25 million are true. Dortmund often struggle to keep hold of their star names and, with several clubs chasing his signature, the 23-year-old could be the next to depart.

Gundogan is a superb player and I’m confident he is exactly what Manchester United are missing. However, with Real Madrid and Barcelona also interested, Moyes could be set to miss out on yet another target.