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Manchester United, which looks like a team on course to win its 20th league title, will be looking eagerly towards the summer of 2012 for potential signings. After an injury-prone season that had seen the highest number of players in years for United to lose was a concern. The progress was marred by frequent injuries at key junctures but the Red Devils overcame all difficulties and are set to win the title. This season had seen the return of Scholes from retirement, frequent in and outs of players who started the season well and absences of Vidic and Fletcher. The summer signings will be pivotal and it will be interesting to see who joins the experienced midfield and the strike force. We will see the players who can be a great addition to the club’s resources in key areas of play.
Need of a renewed strike force
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With Berbatov and Owen in sight of leaving the club at the season’s end United will look to add a striker with a big reputation. Fernando Llorente is one option United can target at the foremost. The Spain international has been in stupendous form this season netting 26 goals in all competitions is a potential target for Bayern Munich too. The Spaniard scored against United in both legs of the Europa league and helped his team win. Llorente has the capabilities and is a complete striker to be an important player alongside Rooney, Welbeck and Chicharito. Though he looks forward to extend his contract at Bilbao, an interest from the champions can excite the forward.
Another striker United can set its sight on is Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Schalke who has been in sublime touch scoring 43 goals this season. The former Ajax, Madrid and Milan star can be a good addition and this deal can be possible if United can lure the player away. Karim Benzema of Real Madrid whose influence can extend out to the wings is another good option for United. Benzema has scored 28 goals this season and a substantial bid offered for him can see him switch to Manchester. Whether Madrid will sell him or not is a question but with their links at signing a new forward this deal can see its way through. As Macheda and Bebe seems unlikely to have much role in United’s plan of action and therefore United need a striker to strengthen their attack.
The midfield dilemma
Luka Modric of Spurs- A potential midfield target for United
The midfield looks good for United with experience still at hand. Giggs extended his contract and Scholes is likely to follow suit but United can play them only at key moments to use their services wisely. The experience these players in midfield hold is vast for United but a play maker is definitely required to suit the challenges against big teams. United faced a big concern this season owing to injuries that plagued the area. Cleverley and Anderson who started brightly were injured for long terms and the absence of Fletcher was a matter of concern. Luka Modric is a target and his 45 million tag isn’t something to worry Manchester United. Last year his move to Chelsea was stalled as Tottenham was desperate to keep him. If Tottenham agree, Modric can be a bright prospect for United’s midfield. The player hasn’t renewed his contract at Spurs. His clever play and approach can add the much needed composure United need to be more dominating.
Wesley Sneijder will always be linked to Manchester United as the saga has been continuing on and off. With Ferguson ruling out the move earlier the interest can be grown again as Sneijder is looking to leave Inter and the player’s versatility can prove essential. The former Madrid star hasn’t been at his best this season but is still a crucial signing if United plan to launch a bid. Eden Hazard of Lille has been constantly linked and it will be interesting to see whether any deal is made. The versatile midfield player from Belgium has scored 16 times and has 14 assists to his name this season. The 21 year old can add to the pace in attack with his dribbling attributes seems remarkable. Teams like Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City is also reportedly interested in signing the player. United can make a formal bid for the player and it is possible for this deal to get through. Gareth Bale can also be an option as the fast player is a good option for the midfield and can be phenomenal if United can persuade the Wales International. With Madrid and Barcelona interested the sum will be hefty but United can offer a bid enough to lure the player to Manchester.
Patrice Evra hasn’t been at his best over a few seasons and United should look for a left back who can suit the needs. Another good central defender is needed to add a shield for Ferdinand and Vidic. A prospect lies in Jan Vertonghen of Ajax who has shown interest in a move to England. With Arsenal and Tottenham seem favourites to sign him, United can have a go for the player who has been rated highly and can be a good signing for the Red Devils.
With all the possible targets and link ups it will provide an important phase for United to sign quality players to see them progress further as Ferguson will be hoping to challenge the likes of Barcelona and Madrid’s dominance.
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https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/11/patrice-evra-then-and-now/
