Lucas not needed at United

Almost every website today has an article linking Lucas Moura to Manchester United. They have been claiming as to how he is the answer to United’s mid-field problem.

History

For years, Sir Alex Ferguson has employed a 4-4-2 formation. His game play has revolved around tricky and pacey wingers; Ronaldo, Giggs, Beckham, Nani, Young, Valencia etc., and strong holding mid-fielders that control the game; Keane, Veron, Scholes, Carrick, Butt etc. This formation also requires two strikers complimenting each other; Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez, Berbatov, and Kagawa (to some extent).

Lucas and 4-4-2

United already have bags of talent on the wings. Players like Young, Nani and Valencia provide plenty of firepower and competition.

Lucas Moura can play either on the right flank, or through the middle as an attacking midfielder. At Present, he plays as a striker for his current club.

If United were to retain the same formation, then where would he fit? The signing of Shinji Kagawa means that United already have an attacking midfielder to ease the burden off Wayne Rooney.

Sense or Non Sense

As even my Granny knows, Manchester United need to buy a top class central and/or defensive midfielder. Hence bringing in a player like Lucas Moura makes neither footballing nor financial sense.

Change in Formation

If Sir Alex Ferguson does sign Lucas Moura, it will mean that he will have to change the formation. The only formation that he can play in order to accommodate Lucas, and Kagawa is 4-2-3-1. However, by playing this formation, all the strikers, other than Rooney, will not get enough playing time and it will also hinder the growth of Danny.

Outdated System

Teams now a day are bringing in new methodology, and new playing styles. May be this is where Manchester United missed Carlos Queiroz. But a change in system is a must now, as teams have adjusted to the outdated 4-4-2 system.

Hence, it is good to have someone like Kagawa that forces United to experiment with tactics.

Conclusion

The signing of Lucas Moura would have been ideal had United not signed a player like Shinji Kagawa. It doesn’t make any sense spending 30 million on a player who does the same job that the current players can.

So may be 30 million pounds should be spent on other areas which are of utmost importance.

Areas like the Centre of midfield, the wing backs, and on the development of youth.