The Cesc saga: ‘Which’ Fabregas is Moyes looking for?

This potential switch to United will be discussed based on the reasonably safe assumption that Wayne Rooney does not leave Manchester. This results in all the front 4 spots being blocked, as on the left if not Ashley Young, new recruit Zaha is sure to come in. So, Cesc’s role at the moment looks to be as the ‘runner in midfield’ next to Carrick. This role seems pretty similar to his initial time next to Gilberto Silva at Arsenal, except that Silva was definitely a much more adventurous runner than Carrick, which thus saw the 16-year-old Cesc at times left to distribute from deeper roles.

The other main contender for this spot would be Tom Cleverley, who, though being majorly injury hit, was played more as a ‘shuttler’ in Fergie’s midfield diamond last season. Further, Cleverley’s finshing left much more to be desired from, and the Englishman looked to be at his best when played in a wide-ish role and asked to put crosses into the back post.

Another factor that comes into play here would be Rooney’s recent statement that he will prefer playing as the main striker rather than in midfield. This statement by a promising No.10, though weird, will now open the option of pushing Fabregas up the field and hence utilizing his well known chemistry with Van Persie.

This move to Manchester United amidst the Wayne Rooney crisis could mean that even though Rooney stays in Manchester eventually, Moyes revolves his team around Fabregas instead. A major factor that needs to be taken care in this regard would be the nature of wingers at United. The present duo of Valencia and Young are typically more of ‘crossers’ than attacking forwards. With Fabregas pulling strengths in midfield, the likes of a Zaha cutting in from the right after breaking the offside trap would be quite reminiscent of the old Cesc-Theo combinations.

While articles such as these will keep popping out worldwide, Arsene Wenger could be one man to term all of these redundant. The Frenchman had cleverly added a ‘first refusal’ clause in Fabregas’s contract 2 years back, and this sees Arsenal getting an option to buy back the midfielder for 30 million euros in case any other team bids for him. In other words, no other EPL giant could get the Spaniard for an amount less than 30 million euros. Though considering Wenger’s records, I won’t be surprised to see the Frenchman refusing to bid that amount even when ‘first refusal’ is offered.