Top Five: Manchester United midfield targets instead of Thiago Alcantara

Presumed long time Manchester United central midfield transfer target Thiago Alcantara has agreed to join Bayern Munich. Moreover, of this list of five central midfield targets that I identified last month, only Fellaini is still an achievable option.

It’s clear that United need to add a player who can pass the ball but also has the ability to provide attacking threat and some pace based on their interest in Thiago Alcantara. Tom Cleverley and Anderson are good players but aren’t going to win the club the Champions League.

United need quality in central midfield, and whether it be for a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system they need to upgrade. So, now that they have missed out on Thiago Alcantara and others, here are five more options. David Moyes has said the club have money to buy a player of serious quality so I’m only looking at the very best options.

I’ll make this clear before you read on. I’m not putting Fabregas on the list this time even despite the offer. With Barcelona having sold Thiago Alcantara there is no reason for them to want to sell. Remember, Xavi is 33 so it’s not long until Fabregas steps in to his shoes, which is what he was purchased in 2011 to ultimately do.

Only Victor Valdes started more games for Barcelona in the league last season so he’s not the bench warmer he is for some reason perceived to be. We’ll assume he stays there.

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Arturo Vidal – Juventus

Arturo Vidal

Scout Report Vidal is the one of the most complete midfielders in the world and perhaps the very best box to box type player. He is one of the fittest players in the world and has an almost perfect skill set for what United need, whether beside Michael Carrick or as part of a three. Vidal is nearly 6 foot tall, strong, quick and relentless. There is more than a little Roy Keane to him. He runs non stop and this means that he is an active presence defensively in terms of pressing and tackling but is also a serious goalscoring threat. Last season he scored 15 goals in all competitions and is an increasingly confident finisher. At 26, he is in his prime and could yet reach even greater levels.

How much? It’s going to be very expensive trying to buy from Juventus. Something like £35m or even £40m could be necessary. However, they would be signing one of the most dynamic players in the world who look ideally suited to thrive in the Premier League. United can afford to make a big impact signing and Vidal would take that midfield to another level.

Ilkay Gundogan – Borussia Dortmund

Ilkay Gundogan

Scout Report Gundogan was the magician at the controls of the Borussia Dortmund midfield last season as the swept all but Bayern away in Europe. Gundogan is a sublime passer of the ball and a very easy mover. He floats around the field moving the ball to teammates and then making himself available to take the ball back. What sets him apart from just passing midfielders is his ability when running with the ball at his feet. If United did indeed bid on Thiago Alcantara then Gundogan has a similar talent for dribbling. These searing runs through the middle of the field combined with tight footwork and the intelligence to pick the correct pass when he reaches dangerous areas make him a huge threat.

How much? Again, not cheap. Having sold Mario Gotze Dortmund aren’t going to want to sell again easily. But, they’ve just spent £21m on Mkhitaryan so an offer of £35m for Gundogan would be very tempting. United may be ruing Gotze’s move as without that they may well have stood a stronger chance. Still, it’s worth testing their resolve.

Luka Modric – Real Madrid

Luka Modric

Scout Report United have been linked to Modric before and it’s easy to see why. Like Thiago, Modric is an excellent passer of the ball but has the extra ability to shield the ball and score goals from distance. Modric is a tempo setter when on the ball and at Spurs and now Real Madrid has rapidly improved his defensive work rate and ability. Sitting in his deep position gives him a view of everything in front of him and as one of the canniest and most football savvy players in Europe he can pick a pass. United could use this kind of nous and intelligence in the Champions League.

How much? Real Madrid have just signed Asier Illarramendi to be their playmaker for the next ten years for £34m. Modric already had a tough time getting significant action so they might be willing to deal him. They paid Spurs £30m and would probably take the same.

Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen

Lars Bender

Scout Report Bender is one of the best destroying midfielders and one of the most athletic players in Europe at the moment. Bender’s strong suit is disrupting the opposition before starting counter attacks. This would fit the counter attacking style United’s current personnel is suited to. He makes tackles and interceptions in great quantity, mostly because of elite positioning, then has the ability to distribute the ball. He’s a tidy if unexciting passer of the ball but is a strong mover and can become a real force. Potentially also a long term successor to Carrick whilst United look for a more artistic option. He’s a strong leader on the pitch and in the dressing room. A very Moyes type professional.

How much? Leverkusen have said he’s not for sale, but they said the same of Schurrle. A bid of £20-23m would surely make them re-think that stance.

Claudio Marchisio – Juventus

Claudio Marchisio

Scout Report For all the praise for Andrea Pirlo, it’s Marchisio and Vidal that really make the Old Lady tick. Where Vidal offers goal threat and boundless running, Marchisio offers passion, drive to win, organisation and frenetic work rate. The Juventus pressing scheme is reliant on his lead. He closes hard and fast and disrupts the opposition. His protection of a good Juventus defence is one of the key reasons for their recent dominance. He is a true leader, able to drag the team on his back and get the best out of those around him.

How much? Juventus had said they don’t want to sell, as they have with Vidal. They’d probably rather sell the Chilean than Marchisio because although Vidal is a superior player, Marchisio represents so much about the club’s renaissance lately that selling him would be hard. However, if United upped Monaco’s apparent £25m it would give Juventus a hard decision to make.