Manchester United have been linked with a whole host of different footballers across Europe to complement and ultimately replace Michael Carrick’s composure in the midfield. Many who have been named, are typical box-to-box players, with tenacity in tackling, precise passing and who can contribute goals. Ilkay Gündogan, Arturo Vidal, and former red, Paul Pogba are examples of high quality players who are repeatedly mentioned in newspapers and media as being linked with Manchester United. No doubt these players would fit the criteria necessary, but another player often linked is Morgan Schneiderlin. Here is the perfect, pragmatic choice, balancing ability with logistical sense. Schneiderlin is proven in the Premier League, and English football, shown by his rise through the leagues in his long career with Southampton to date. He is now looking to move to the next step and Manchester United can provide that, whilst probably having a more realistic chance of affording and persuading to obtain him compared to raiding the likes of Juventus. It is worth noting that whilst we get carried away with the excitement and competitiveness of the English Premier League- Juventus are playing in the Champions League final, whereas Manchester United did not participate in it at all. Paul Pogba would not be furthering his career ambitions by swapping Turin for Manchester at this point.
Morgan Schneiderlin has just completed another excellent season with Southampton. At 25 he is also the ideal age to take over the mantle of midfield playmaker and enforcer of United’s midfield. Manchester United have more forward minded midfielders to unlock defences in Juan Mata, Angel di Maria and Ander Herrera; Schneiderlin would provide the physical competitiveness behind them. Here I look at some statistics to show Schneiderlin’s performance in comparison to some more glamorous names.
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| Numbers gathered using averages from the last three seasons (two for Gundogan, due to injury). Source: Squawka |
The table shows Schneiderlin's numbers are not dissimilar to the other players included in the graph. He can use the ball intelligently, nearing 90% pass completion but still ensuring that 65% of passes are forward and progressive, rather than simply laying it off to safer options. Schneiderlin's stats show he is adept at defending, making many more interceptions than Gündogan, Pogba, or Vidal and making far more tackles than Gündogan and Pogba, with the tenacious Vidal making only a marginal number more. Where Schneiderlin falls somewhat short in comparison is creating chances. At Manchester United, however, he would be less responsible for supplying through balls for the forwards and more responsible for providing cover for their attacking exploits but also ensuring much needed composure for United's passing and possession-minded style of play. In Mata, di Maria and Herrera, United are well equipped to score goals and create chances, but United are desperately in need of a physically combative player behind these skilful but lightweight midfielders.
Conclusion: Michael Carrick rightly received praise for his performances, when he was fit this season. He managed only 18 league games however, and cannot play forever. Schneiderlin could be slotted alongside Carrick for the upcoming season with the triumvirate of di Maria, Herrera and Mata in front of them, with Rooney operating as a lone striker? Schneiderlin is dynamic, he would chip in with goals, give United more steel in the midfield and retain the ball effectively like van Gaal encourages this new look United side to do. Signing Schneiderlin would be a realistic, sensibly priced deal and one which would benefit both the player and Manchester United. It needs to be done soon though, with Arsenal closely linked with bidding for him!
Conclusion: Michael Carrick rightly received praise for his performances, when he was fit this season. He managed only 18 league games however, and cannot play forever. Schneiderlin could be slotted alongside Carrick for the upcoming season with the triumvirate of di Maria, Herrera and Mata in front of them, with Rooney operating as a lone striker? Schneiderlin is dynamic, he would chip in with goals, give United more steel in the midfield and retain the ball effectively like van Gaal encourages this new look United side to do. Signing Schneiderlin would be a realistic, sensibly priced deal and one which would benefit both the player and Manchester United. It needs to be done soon though, with Arsenal closely linked with bidding for him!
