Man United Summer Signings 2011- DM Transfer Targets

With the summer transfer window dawning, Sir Alex will currently be assessing his first team squad and looking for players he believes can improve it. At the moment, an area it seems the Red Devils are bound to strengthen is midfield. Being our weakest area, United will be looking to bring in strong reinforcements following Owen Hargreaves‘ most probable departure.

With Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, who have both recently signed new contracts,  already in the squad, some fans may think a tough tackling midfielder is one area that we do not need to fill. However, I personally don’t see Carrick as a DM because his defensive strengths lie in his ability to intercept the ball, rather than tackling an on-rushing forward. I do think he is most certainly a deep-lying midfielder and would thrive playing the Busquets role for Barcelona but when the going gets tough, Carrick is not going to be the player to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and stop everyone in his path. Similarly, I personally believe Darren Fletcher is wasted when he is told to play as a defensive midfielder as I believe he is most effective as an energetic midfield engine, in a manner similar to Chelsea’s Ramires. With Hargreaves sidelined, it seems our most natural defensive midfielder is John O’Shea – a top class utility player but not someone exactly tailored for the job.

With a supposed war chest at his disposal, Sir Alex will be expected to dip into the transfer market this summer and may well invest in a specialised defensive midfielder. Looking in the Premier League and beyond, here are the players he is most likely to consider buying in the summer transfer window.

European Targets- Talented…

Daniele De Rossi

Having impressed whenever he has faced United, the Italian hard man is looking to leave Roma at the end of season, due to apparently gang related incidents. Experienced in European football and a regular in the Italian team, De Rossi certainly possesses all the experience and quality to fit right into Fergie’s midfield, but would Sir Alex be willing to spend £17m on a player who turns 28 in the summer?

The Stretford End got the better of him!

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Having received plaudits from across the globe, following his performances at the World Cup in South Africa, the Bayern Munich midfielder has successfully transformed himself from an inconsistent and frustrating winger, into one of the worlds most sought after players! Quick to the ball, fearless in the tackle and efficient with his distribution, the German star was the lynchpin for Germany’s thumping of England in the World Cup but would be warmly welcomed to Old Trafford this summer. Having made over 240 appearances for Bayern Munich, Schweinsteiger may be reluctant to leave but having won everything with them domestically, the 26 year old may be tempted by a £25m move.

Let’s forget that match…

Nuri Sahin

The youngest player to have ever played in the Bundesliga, at 16 years and 355 days, the German-born Turkey international has risen to prominence following his fine form for Borussia Dortmund this season. As the German side’s #8, he is capable of playing in a number of roles around midfield, but it is thought by many that he will settle as a DM in a few years. The 22 year-old most certainly fits into Sir Alex’s transfer demographic, as one of the brightest young stars in Europe. However, will Ferguson want another developing talent on his books for the next 5-10 years or he does an experienced player, who will make way for Pogba & Co in a few years time?

Another Dortmund Talent!

Yann M’Villa

A French International, the young Rennes midfielder is an imposing player with an impressive 6ft frame. With such a great physical presence, the 20 year old has been able to bully the ball off attackers in Ligue 1 and looks to be a permanent fixture in Laurent Blancs French side for years to come. Most certainly limited to the role of defensive midfield, he is not the most versatile player in the world but he is comfortable in the centre of defence. A relatively unknown youngster, M’Villa wouldn’t quench the Stretford End’s thirst for a big-name signing but he could well be a superb signing, for United, in both the short and long term.

Want a machine?

Domestic Targets- Acclimatized…

Chiek Tiote

An inspired signing by Steve McLaren’s at FC Twente, Tiote has developed into a top class player, shown by his string of impressive performances in his debut Premier League season. A key figure in Alan Pardew’s side, the explosive tackler seems like the real deal and could well be a dynamic solution to Sir Alex’s midfield problems (although he recently signed a gigantic six and a half year deal at St James Park). Whether Newcastle would sell their prized 24 year-old midfielder is another matter…

World Cup Experience

Lee Cattermole

Well, he’s a bit like Marmite – you either love him, or you hate him. Do you think the young Englishman is worthy of pulling on the famous Man United shirt?

Driven, Dirty, Dangerous?

A Bit of Both…

Lassana Diarra

Having played at Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid, the French midfielder obviously has talent but it seems he also has an attitude to match, having caused controversy at every club he’s been to. A talented footballer, it is a shame he can’t learn to do his talking on the pitch. Still, he has been linked with a £14m move to Old Trafford but somehow I can’t realistically see Sir Alex wanting him to disrupt the atmosphere at Carrington…

“The people at Portsmouth know I will not spend my life at this club – If I shine, if a really big club wants me, I know already that everything will go well.”

Mr Moody?

Your Thoughts, on Twitter, to ‘Do We Need a DM? Who and Why?’

‘Yes. Who? After Keano, I dont know. Why? We need a leader in midfield.’ @donnydoncrow

‘No, Fletcher is the best. We just need an attacking midfielder to help create.’ @gibbypir

‘Lassana Diarra would be an option, has played in England and wouldn’t break the bank if we were serious about purchasing him’ @mancunia7

‘Yes. Schweinstieger for me,as he also has the creative qualities. I’d also take Rodwell, as he looks a prospect, and M’Villa, he looks a strong player.‘ @thequinndog

‘Maybe. Would go for Bastian if so He chips in with a few goals and is technically good but he would cost a lot. Would rather promote Pogba or Tunnicliffe.‘ @Natanael1503

Feel free to leave your own comments and opinions! Who would you sign?

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