Which players do the Manchester clubs need to buy to become continental powerhouses

Cesc Fabregas

In the world of professional football, there is an extremely fine line that connects rumour, hype and requirement. With less than a week remaining before the official opening of the transfer window, many leading European clubs have changed managers, some have struck a few notable deals while all have been involved with countless transfer speculations each worth crazy dollops of money. While fans of any club appreciate big-money, big-name signings, not many end up having the kind of impact initially expected. Ask Robinho and Manchester City fans or Kaka and Real Madrid supporters if you want examples. Over the money-guzzling, entertainment-generating months of July and August, which players should the Premier League’s two leading clubs actually target in order to get closer to continental powerhouses such as Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid?

Manchester United:

Names Linked – Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Leighton Baines, Robert Lewandowski, Marouane Fellaini, Edinson Cavani

Requirements – Central Midfielder/s, Left Back

With Paul Scholes retired, Anderson rumoured to be on his way out after largely failing to live up to expectations and with Darren Fletcher’s fitness still a major concern, central midfield is the biggest point of worry for the champions. However, while a whole raft of attacking midfielders have been linked with the Manchester United, the real worry lies in a more defensive position. With United likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 style in coming seasons, the biggest worry in the side is not really the attacking options but the question of who will slot in next to Michael Carrick in a deeper lying role.

Could Fabregas play there? Yes. But would that be his most effective position? Probably not. Even during the peak of his prowess at Arsenal, the Spaniard’s best displays arguably came while partnering a more defensive minded player such as Abou Diaby or Alex Song. While his work-rate, box-to-box ability, creativity and inventiveness are all to never be doubted, what United requires primarily is a tough-tackling, tempo-controlling, midfield general ala Sergio Busquets or Yaya Toure. While the possibility of snapping up either of those two phenomenal players is close to non-existential, a more viable option could be the Belgian Marouane Fellaini. Arsenal are currently believed to be in pole position for the 25-year-old’s services but considering his former boss at Everton, David Moyes, is now in charge at Old Trafford, the Gunners could yet be beaten to the punch. The two Champions League final losses to Barcelona were a clear testament of the need for a ball winner in the United midfield and that position has largely been left unfilled since the departure of Roy Keane. Fellaini, with his fine blend of physical prowess, great reading of the game and the ability to burst forward with purpose could be the perfect fit alongside Carrick.

Alcantara, with the much talked about release clause in his contract, might be an extremely canny, long-term buy. Alongside the likes of Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley, Alcantara would provide great depth in the attacking midfield role and would definitely add fresh impetus to the side going forward. All in all, he would be a great value-for-money signing.

The other area where the side could be strengthened, particularly for European ties is at left-back where the over-employed veteran Patrice Evra failed to turn up for many of the major matches. Baines would be a great option on that front while Southampton’s Luke Shaw could also be a good long-term prospect although if he is bought, it might be better for all parties involved to loan him straight back. Otherwise, instead of splashing cash on strikers such as Lewandowski or Cavani (both of whom seem pretty much unavailable anyway), the prime objective should be to keep all of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck at the club and happy.

Stevan Jovetic

Names Linked – Edinson Cavani, Isco, Stevan Jovetic, Stephan El Shaarawy

Requirements – Central Defender, Winger, Striker

Despite having a hugely sub-standard season last year, the current City side is already a well-oiled machine which could return to the top with just a little tinkering. Most of that work has already predated the arrival of new coach Manuel Pellegrini. In Jesus Navas, City have addressed their biggest weak spot, the lack of quality wingers. Another of his ilk would certainly be welcome and Malaga’s precocious young talent Isco, with his ability to play anywhere behind the front man might have been an ideal option. However, the Spaniard seems set for Real Madrid at the moment and for City, it could represent a huge opportunity lost. An approach for someone with established Premier League class like Nani from their crosstown rivals may not be too bad an option.

Brazilian Fernandinho is the supposed answer to the other major weakness in the City side of 2012-13, a good defensive midfielder to back up Toure. While Gareth Barry did his best, the game often seemed to pass the English veteran by, particularly in Champions League matches. Former manager Roberto Mancini had bet on upcoming English talent Jack Rodwell as the answer to that particular dilemma although a mixture of injuries curtailed his contributions last season. In any case, the acquisition of a proven star in Fernandinho with European experience would do the Citizens a world of good.

City would also do well to shore up their central defence. In Vincent Kompany they have one of the premier centre backs in world football but his chosen partner for most of last season, Matija Nastasic, still has a lot to prove. The 20-year-old Serbian is certainly one for the future but unless there is a drastic improvement in performance levels, a more experienced campaigner could be brought in. However, even now, the best option might in fact be to look inward for City for this position. In Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott, City have the options already although they were left to rot for the most part by Mancini. Perhaps appeasing these two class assets should be top of Pellegrini’s list.

City have been linked with many a swashbuckling forward in recent weeks although Cavani’s name has been the one which has stuck. With Chelsea and Real Madrid believed to be a more likely destination for the Uruguayan, City might be forced to turn elsewhere to fill the gap left by Mario Balotelli’s January departure. Carlos Tevez is also rumoured to make way although a front trio of Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko still provides Pellegrini formidable options, particularly given the abundant creativity in midfield. In case Tevez or Dzeko are sold, a move for Fiorentina’s Jovetic, Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo, Bayern’s Mario Gomez or even Juventus’ Mirko Vucinic might be good options. Even a last gasp effort to steal Gonzalo Higuain might not go amiss.