David Moyes wants to bolster his midfield with Gundogan and Schneiderlin…
Manchester United have earmarked Borussia Dortmund’s excellent midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Southampton’s French battler Morgan Schneiderlin as potential summer signings, according to the Daily Star and the Mirror respectively.
The Old Trafford club have improved in recent weeks, and battered Newcastle at St. James’ Park yesterday, but still are planning on making massive squad improvements in the summer – specifically to the defence and the midfield.
Gundogan established a reputation as one of Europe’s finest last season, but has struggled very badly with injuries this term, making only the sole Bundelisga appearance.
When fit though, he more than has the ability to add something to the United side, which currently relies on the relatively immobile Michael Carrick, 40-year-old Ryan Giggs, much criticised Tom Cleverley and the technically weak Marouane Fellaini as central midfield options.
23-year-old Gundogan loves to drive through the middle of the park, and find himself in space in the final third. He can pass and shoot, but is also happy to work back and help the rest of his side by making tackles and interceptions. According to the report, he could be available for a potentially bargain £25m, taking into the account the fact he’s barely played all season.
Saints midfielder Schneiderlin is often unheralded because of the impressive English players at St. Mary’s, but he plays a crucial, combative role. He’s more defensively minded than Gundogan, and prefers to simply retain possession rather than try to get forward and create chances. David Moyes’ side would likely have to bid at least £15m for their Premier League rivals to even consider letting him go.
This term, he’s started 27 matches for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, scoring twice and assisting a goal as well.
As a result, the pair could easily complement each other in central midfield, although many United fans will be hoping for a bigger name signing than Schneiderlin. They would be more than content with Gundogan though, who bagged in last season’s Champions League final.
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