Manchester United Transfers: 10 Plausible Solid Acquisitions for Deadline Day

While the acquisition of world-class elites like Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa has demonstrated that Sir Alex Ferguson does not shy away from bolstering his squad when deemed necessary, the inevitable truth is that the Red Devils have missed out on quite a number of high-profile targets—Jordi Alba, Lucas Moura, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard.

With Sir Alex having declared that there will be no more transfers coming in, it looks as if Manchester United fans will have to wait another transfer window to witness another major signing.

Nevertheless, rumors are running that United seek to sign Moussa Dembele from Fulham, and if Fergie’s past mind-games are any indication, United, given the opportunity to purchase a quality player, would not be too hesitant to make an added signing.

Here are some deadline day transfer possibilities for Manchester United.

Left-Back

Yes, the signing of Alex Buttner is a good sign, but I am not yet convinced. Though, he impressed at the Eredivise, the Premier League is a completely different game. With Evra waning and aging—although his recent game showed how committed he is to the cause—the left-back position is still a worrying prospect.

How can we be sure that either Buttner or Evra will not be turned upside down as Antonio Valencia was during the Everton game?

United missed out on Jordi Alba, who in my opinion would have been the perfect acquisition to fill that role. However, since Barcelona got there first, United had to seek elsewhere.

Before the signing of Buttner, Leighton Baines had been heavily linked to Old Trafford.

Indeed, Baines would be an interesting candidate to have within the United ranks. With Robin van Persie having been acquired for such a huge sum despite his age, signs are that Sir Alex is trying for one last go for Domestic and European glory.

Baines is quite the finished product. He gave United quite a harrowing time during the first game of this season, and given his physique, experience and skill, his transition to United would be seamless.

However, Baines will come at a price.

With Jack Rodwell shipped out to cash-laden Manchester City, Everton are not in dire need to generating funds. Coupled with the fact that David Moyes has assembled quite a phenomenal team, which might push to break into the Top Four, Baines will come at an inflated price (if Moyes is willing to let him go). 

One other prospect would be the Montpellier captain, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Yanga-Mbiwa has been in instrumental form for the Ligue 1 outfit who currently are the reigning Ligue 1 champions. What is more important is that he has stated that a move to Manchester United would be a dream transfer.

An ever-versatile player, he is also capable of playing at central defence and also at the right. This means that players like Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia can focus on their primary duties.

Right-Back

Remember that time that Sir Alex Ferguson went to France to watch Lille take on Lyon? Well to the unobservant eye, it seemed that he wanted to experience first-hand what a prospect Eden Hazard would make.

However, reports emerged that he was more interested not in the Belgian wonder-kid, but the full-back Matthieu Debuchy.

Debuchy was impressive last season, and he impressed in the Euros as well. With over 300 appearances for the club, he would bring some experience to the position allowing players like Rafael (who had a great game against Fulham last week) and Phil Jones to develop.

Another right-back that has been particularly impressive that United might want to get a hold of is Lukasz Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund. He played splendidly in last years’ campaign, where he played all games barring one which saw Dortmund lift the title. This season, too, he has put in splendid performances.

Tony Jantschke of Borussia Mönchengladbach might also be a feasible option. Though his crossing leaves much to be desired, he is strong aerially and is a sublime passer as well. Perhaps a strong bid from United might see 'Gladbach give up on their young defender. 

And what about Dutchman Gregory van der Wiel? He does have his fair share of critics, but he is potential world-class through and through.  Only 23, he could be developed into one of the premier full-backs in the world akin to Ashley Cole and Philipp Lahm. 35 caps for Holland is quite an impressive statistic.

Midfield

Addition of Shinji Kagawa has seen United deploy formations that are more fluid that the classic 4-4-2 beloved by Sir Alex. A shift to a 4-2-3-1 would work best with a midfield enforcer and an orchestrator in front of the defence.

United do have a host of options to occupy the central midfield role—Anderson, Tom Cleverly, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher (if he gets fit).

An injury to any of these would mean that players will get exhausted by the end of the season—especially aging players like Carrick and Scholes.

Hence, a purchase of another midfielder might be a good investment.

Javi Martinez would, in many ways, be a perfect addition for United. He is solid in defense and even better in midfield. He can intercept, hold and pass the ball effectively. I would suggest operating him as a defensive midfielder from where he can distribute the ball with precision. 

Mousssa Dembele has been heavily linked with Old Trafford, and for good measure too. He has Premier League experience, and commands a boasting presence in midfield. Proficient in breaking up-plays, initiating attacks and having technical dazzlery, Dembele would a solid signing. Against United, he put in a performance worthy of a man-of-the-match.

Another defensive midfielder that has great potential is Yann M’Vila. He operates as a defensive midfielder with excellent defensive abilities, impressive physical abilities, and he can pick out passes with relative ease. 

Bruno is another feasible option for Sir Alex Ferguson. For Villarreal, Bruno has been nothing short of sensational and has drawn plaudits from all around. The defensive midfielder has already been compared to phenoms like Xabi Alonso. 

Given the fact that Villarreal are in the Second division, prying him away from the Yellow Submarine might be much easier.

Who should Manchester United pursue? Please leave your comments.

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