Manchester United’s start to the season has been far from convincing. The Premier League champions have won only three of their first seven games this campaign and new manager David Moyes is already feeling pressure from unsatisfied supporters.
The main area considered to be a weakness in United’s side is centre midfield. Although Michael Carrick has played well over the last year, the likes of Darren Fletcher and Anderson are injury prone while Tom Cleverly looks a utility player at best.
Moyes snapped up Marouane Fellaini on transfer deadline day for £27.5million in an attempt to solve United’s problem. The 25-year-old had a successful five years at Everton but has been questioned by many United supporters. In fact, some even responded positively on Twitter after reading the Belgian was ruled out for seven weeks with a wrist injury.
There is every chance Fellaini can prove his doubters wrong and become important for United, but even if that turns out to be the case, the Red Devils will still be lacking quality in midfield compared to their rivals.
One player who could be a useful acquisition at Old Trafford is Barcelona’s Alex Song. The former Arsenal star arrived in Catalan for £15million last year but has failed to make an impact due to a lack of first team action.
Song, 26, has mostly been on the bench due to Sergio Busquets being the first choice defensive midfielder. He has occasionally slotted in at centre back but it appears a move away from the Nou Camp would be his best option for regular playing time.
If United were to sign the Cameroonian, he could help form a beastly midfield partnership. Fellaini could occupy offensive duties with Song sitting deep or the duo could share responsibilities in a dynamic box-to-box midfield.
When Song first broke into the Arsenal first team, he was known for being a fighter who tackled and closed down opposition players endlessly. However, he developed other attributes in his last couple seasons in North London which surprised many, such as his composure on the ball and passing.
If United fans have been crying out for any particular type of midfielder, it’s been one who can pass a football. Fellaini has a lot in his locker but was never known for being a silky playmaker at Everton. While Song is no Cesc Fabregas, who United tried to sign in the summer, his passing can be effective and they have a realistic chance of securing his services.
In 2011/2012, Song claimed 11 assists in the Premier League for Arsenal. Many of those were for Robin Van Persie, now of Manchester United, of course. Could we see that link up play again in the future?