Manchester United set sights on dynamic midfielder who is everything Fellaini isn’t
Marouane Fellaini‘s transfer to Manchester United has not, so far, gone as planned. Since arriving for, the relatively inflated, price of £27 million, the Belgian has failed to tie down a regular spot in the team and Tom Cleverley, the man many claim to have outstayed his welcome at Old Trafford, has made more appearances than him.
In contrast, one man on Manchester United’s seemingly infinitely long summer shortlist has prospered since his move from PSV to Roma in July. Kevin Strootmanwas lured to Rome instead of Manchester and has begun life at his new club in excellent fashion, becoming an established fixture in a side which is unbeaten so far in Serie A. It is because of this that David Moyes is, say the Metro, preparing a new bid for Strootman ahead of the January transfer window.
The creative problems in the Red Devils’ central midfield have been well documented; the tactics writers are running out of different ways to say that Moyes’ side lack a creative force in the centre of the park, and this is a problem which must be amended if Manchester United hope, as Moyes claims, to continue to challenge for the Premier League title.
Strootman could be the man to right this issue in the champions’ squad. This season, he has created 23 chances – only one Roma player, Miralem Pjanic, has made more – and this is nearly double the total of any midfielder in Manchester United’s squad. Signing Strootman would ease the creative burden which Wayne Rooney currently drags along in solitude in the centre of Moyes’ formation and as such would make him an excellent signing.
The stamina and drive which Strootman possesses could make him an ideal player for Moyes’ Man Utd team. In Sunday’s game against Fiorentina, the Dutchman appeared all over the pitch and contributed in both attack and defence, exhibiting the fantastic fitness levels which have enamoured Strootman to Man Utd and a host of other clubs across Europe.
This fitness would be hugely appreciated at Manchester United with Moyes’ apparent preference for a defensive-minded central midfield pairing; Strootman’s stamina would enable him to complete his defensive duties (an area in which he is undoubtedly skilled, winning over half of his tackles this season), something which the Heat Maps below prove the Red Devils’ manager desires, whilst simultaneously supplementing the Old Trafford team’s attacks – which the Red Devils are clearly in dire need of. It is for this reason that Strootman would be an ideal purchase for Moyes in January.
Strootman, therefore, could be the perfect signing for Moyes’ men in January. He would provide the attacking intent in midfield which has been lacking this season without sacrificing the defensive solidity which the Scottish manager is clearly intent of preserving in midfield. It is just unfortunate, for Manchester United fans, that the signing was not made over the summer.