Why Manchester United should make Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben their number one transfer priority

Arjen Robben

Manchester United hired Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal yesterday and the news will have perhaps come as an indication as to the type of personnel the Dutchman will look to draft in ahead of next season.

Currently managing Holland as they prepare for their World Cup in Brazil, Van Gaal will officially take over at the clubs pre-season tour in the summer, however, he may just be thinking about potential targets from now.

One name that has began circulating in the transfer rumour mill is that of Bayern Munich star winger, Arjen Robben. Robin van Persie admitted he would love to link up with the former Real Madrid man, which could be a ploy that works in the club’s favour.

There is no doubting since departing Chelsea and Real Madrid, Arjen Robben has gone on to become one of the worlds most electric wide players and would most certainly be an asset to any side, particularly Manchester United.

With a number of players looking set to leave the Red Devils, coincidentally, a number of them are wingers. Nani and Ashley Young have their futures in doubt, while Antonio Valencia could also be in trouble.

While Bayern Munich fell short on the treble front this campaign, they still managed the small feat of the double in Germany and of course, Arjen Robben was an orchestrator in making that happen.

The pacey Dutchman made 28 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, scoring eleven times on the domestic front. His goal tally is just one short of Robin van Persie and six behind striker Wayne Rooney, remarkable for a winger who plays in a league with less games. His eleven strikes made him Bayern’s third-highest goalscorer in the season just gone.

Robben is Bayern’s third-top goalscorer

A vital cog in Bayern Munich’s finely-oiled machine, Robben is a master at what he does. Lambasted by some for his apparent ‘selfishness’, it is clear to see why he loves to penetrate the defence and execute his flamboyance.

He has attempted 56 shots in the Bundesliga this season, hitting the target 34 times which leaves his shot accuracy at 61%. His electric pace is a fundamental part of his game and while he easily beats his man nine times out of ten, what makes him different is he beginning to produce the final product which he lacked so dearly in his youth days. His shot accuracy is only bettered by four Manchester United players, one of those being James Wilson, who has only played one match this season.

Robben is not short of confidence

He has a Squawka Performance Score of 1002 this season and that is the second-highest of any outfield Bayern Munich player – clear evidence of his quality. He has created 51 chances in the Bundesliga this season, bettered only by Thomas Muller and Franck Ribery, and second to Manchester United’s top creator – Wayne Rooney (56).

Robben is one of Bayern’s main creators

Manchester United are in desperate need of an exciting, eccentric and hungry player like Arjen Robben. Able to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, the former Los Blancos start is head and shoulders above many of today’s high-flying wide men.

What is clear is United’s struggle in Europe in recent years. Robben could be the solution, a master when it comes to the Europe’s elite club competition.

He created a stupendous 22 chance, including four assists, in 10 appearances in the Champions League this season and also netted four times in those games.

Robben was phenomenal in Europe

A hallmark of his game is his pace and desire, something United severely lacked during Moyes’ disastrous tenure – Robben would solve that problem, and then some.