Does Manchester City or Manchester United Really Need RVP?

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Robin Van Persie of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal at The Hawthorns on May 13, 2012 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

After a lot of ranting about RVP leaving Arsenal for better trophy-winning-opportunities, the next big question is – “whom will he sign up with?” There is good amount of price tagged on him, rumored to be ranging from 20 million pounds to 25 million pounds. Is he really worth it? I can’t say because I was never good in math or financials. Although, what I know is that not many clubs will pay such an amount for a player, who has managed only one wonderful season in his entire career, until they are really sure how they will use him and rotate the squad.

Amongst his potential destinations, Manchester Rivals City and United are touted as favorites. Although no club has come forward confirming or denying these speculations of linking Persie with them; in Premier League, you just cannot say what will happen (remember Andy Carrol to Liverpool for 35 million pounds?). Things do happen here at the last moment and if something is being denied or confirmed by sources, I never ever believe them until the club officially admits it.

But what I really want to know is that whether both – Man City and Man United really need Robin Van Persie? I gave it some thought and here are my observations (the fans of respective clubs might differ):

Manchester City

The champions of the last season – winning the title, literally, at the eleventh hour – are one of the major clubs interested in his services. I am not amazed any more as they do it with every Arsenal player but when I think of strike options available with them, I don’t think they need Robin that badly.

Star studded with world class strike force of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli and then you have Dzeko on top of that; these players have consistently scored for the Blues. Back it up with midfield that boasts the likes of Silva (a magician) and Yaya Toure, who can score anyday, Mancini already has a very good structure going on. Although splashing cash for them is not difficult and Persie will surely get games ahead, if they sign him; just buying someone because he is willing to leave and is available and you have the cash to spend on him is not the right strategy. If RVP joins them, I could see him being rotated with Tevez, Aguero and Balotelli and you never know, Balotelli might ‘take him on’ even on-field because of less playing time. All the best, RVP.

Manchester United

The Red Devils missed out the title last season on the last tick of the clock. And surely, they will again be a force to reckon for the upcoming season. Sir Alex’s prime motive this transfer window has been to strengthen his ageing midfield. That does that make them weak by any means but still, after acquiring Shinji Kagawa, they have been linked with Portuguese midfielder, Moutinho and Dutch playmaker, Sneijder.

And strange has been their linkage with RVP. Although Ferguson has never made any comment on his club making a move for the Gunner, there has been no rejection also which makes tabloids believe something is going on. And after reading that news, I look at Man Utd’s strikers – Wayne Rooney, Hernandez and Danny Welbeck and I ask myself this question – where does Robin Van Persie fit in? All three of them have been terrific for Manchester United; Welbeck being the latest find in the last season, unfazed by playing for such a big club. For United to spend this much for a player whom they really don’t need, you really need to dig deep to understand it. They can easily spend this money on buying two good midfielders.

It is but obvious that whosoever signs Van Persie, they will offer him maximum playing time and that will surely be on the expense of the strikers already on the club’s roster. For Manchester City and Mancini it will be tough to choose between Tevez, Aguero and Balotelli to partner Persie. In case of Manchester United; it will be tough on Welbeck and will do his confidence no good if he has to sit out regularly to make way for Rooney and Persie.

May be that is the beauty of the Premier League. You never know what is around the corner. Let’s see what this RVP saga has to offer. News suggest that he might sign a contract back with Gunners. What more can I say?