Should Manchester United target Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik?

Marek Hamsik

Having failed to win in their previous four Premier League matches, David Moyes will be starting to feel the pressure that comes with the expectation of managing a side with a history as illustrious as Manchester United’s.

United are currently ninth in the table, 13 points behind current leaders Arsenal and their chances of winning the title are now looking less and less likely.

Alongside other faults, the club’s midfield has been highlighted as the main cause of trouble in recent weeks. With Michael Carrick and Shinji Kagawa absent through injury, the team have struggled for results. Moyes has opted to rotate Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley and Marouane Fellaini and Anderson, yet these players have failed to provide the required spark in the centre of the pitch.

Despite claiming otherwise, United’s fans will be hoping the Scot decides to target one or two fresh faces come January, with Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik being one of the more popular options. United need more quality in the midfield and the Slovakian is certainly a player capable of adding a creative edge to the side.

The 26-year-old is one of the best attacking midfielder in Serie A, having weighed in heavily with goals and assists consistently since joining the club in 2007, and could be the ideal solution to David Moyes’ problems in that area of the pitch

Napoli currently occupy third place in the Italian top flight and Hamsik has featured in 12 of the club’s opening matches, scoring six times in total. With an average shot accuracy of 60%, Hamsik has converted 30% of his chances so far this term.

The ability to score is a capability the Manchester United midfield is currently lacking. With just three strikers split between Antonio Valencia and Adnan Januzaj, the forwards have been practically the only source of goals for the club. This is obviously an issue for the defending Premier League champions and the arrival of Hamsik could go some way to improving this situation.

Furthermore, the creative aspect of his game also makes for rather impressive reading. Hamsik has fashioned 20 chances for his team-mates this season and although he is yet to register an assist, this is no reason to doubt his playmaking potential. With his vision alongside the attacking threat of Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney, United would score a wealth of goals.

Obviously, United already have a quality attacking midfielder amongst their ranks, however Shinji Kagawa has failed to live up to his outstanding reputation. The Japan international has encountered a number of problems since his move to Old Trafford, ranging from discontent based on his position, to the absence from games due to overeating. So far this season he has made six league appearances, registering a performance score of just 59 points. This is pretty feeble compared to the 310 of Marek Hamsik.

But who is to say the Napoli midfielder would find the transition to the Premier League an easy process? Already this season we have witnessed ex-Roma forward, Erik Lamela, struggle to adapt to the English style of play. Tottenham’s £30 million signing has failed to make an impact, to this date, and as a result he has struggled for regular first team action. Italy is a totally different kettle of fish to England, and there is no guarantee that the Slovakian would set the league alight upon arrival.

Although there can be no question regarding Hamsik’s ability, I am not convinced he is the right signing for Manchester United at this time. With Kagawa still motivated to prove himself at Old Trafford, the club already have a big name to occupy this position and perhaps the money would be best spent on reinforcing other areas of the midfield. The club is in desperate need of added quality on either wing and the addition of a box-to-box player is vital. The £30 million or more that would be spent on Hamsik, would be much better spent elsewhere.