Is Sir Alex playing his cards close to chest?

 
Noel Bay Roar Rookie

By Noel Bay, 21 Jul 2010 Noel Bay is a Roar Rookie

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Surely there’s value in the market, as opposed to what Sir Alex proclaims. With main rivals in Europe and at home (barring Chelsea for now) having added significant value to their teams, it is surprising that the Red Devils’ maestro has not dipped deep into the transfer market.

Is there really no one worth buying or no one good enough to make the first team at Old Trafford? That cannot possibly be true, as any fan of football would know.

Barcelona splashed out on one of the arguably top three strikers in the world and recently brought in Adriano from Sevilla.

Real Madrid have not faired any worse by bringing in Angel Di Maria, who has been slated for great things to come.

Manchester City needless to say, have done wonders to their title aspirations by bringing in David Silva, Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure. Not forgetting they are very much in the mix for the Serb, Alex Kolarov and as some people believe, Inter’s Balotelli.

Liverpool have done well to capture Joe Cole on a free while Arsenal have brought in Maroune Chamakh and Koscielny.

For the first time, can we say that Chelsea and Man Utd are alike by not having added anyone of significance to their squad?

The return of Essien is a good new signing, as would have been the return of Owen Hargreaves, although a dark cloud hangs over this prospect. Chelsea, I am sure, will strengthen by replacing the depleted midfield after the departure of Ballack, Deco and Cole.

Ramires’ name has been thrown into the hat, as has Kaka, although this acquisition may prove a little harder.

Man Utd’s signing of Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez are surely for the future.

As Sir Alex will know, Hernandez is no Rooney, and will take at least a season or two to settle in. And so will Smalling, as we saw with Johnny Evans needing time to blend in, as well.

If this is going to be one of Sir Alex’s last seasons in charge, why does he not go full force to purchase a player that could carry the team on his shoulders?

Surely only Rooney has that ability after CR departed.

A playmaker of Sneijder’s capability would suit the team, who need to think about replacing Paul Scholes. And then there is the right-back situation.

Gary Neville is way past his best and Rafael is not ready yet, judging by the number of times he goes forward and leaves the back exposed.

Philip Lahm would fit in nicely and he is only 26 yrs old.

Greg Van Der Wiel could be an option. Although young, he has the aptitude and ability to play at an elite level. Links with Balotelli or Fabiano seem far-fetched as there shouldn’t be a need for any more strikers.

There is value in the market, for sure. The question is, is there the money?

If reports are true, Sir Alex should have at least 40-50 million to spend from the sale of CR. Unless these reports are false, and Man Utd are in serious debt, there is no reason not to strengthen, especially if your rivals across the board are going hard at it.

A playmaker and a right-back is what the Red Devils need if they are to regain their place at the helm of Europe.

Hopefully Sir Alex is playing his cards close to his chest and will spring a surprise or two to delight fans all over the globe.

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