All of United’s last three matches have highlighted the urgent requirement for immediate investment in the left back position, with Evra reaffirming what many have suggested for some time. That the ageing left backs pace, positioning and overall defensive contribution is not what it once was.
The Frenchman has been a great servant for Manchester United. However Moyes must do what Sir Alex was never afraid to do. When a players contribution is demonising, he must be shown the door, no matter how harsh it seems.
Moyes’s search for a left-back is far from new news, a broken down record springs to mind. However it looks as if United’s flirtation with both Baines and Southampton’s Luke Shaw is about to come to ahead.
Various papers and media outlets are offer differing verdicts on what United might be considering to be the solution to replacing Patrice Evra at left-back, on a long term basis.
Shaw has been a revelation at Saints. And Manchester United are thought to have been tracking his progress for some time. Various papers suggest Southampton value Shaw at around the 12-15 million pound mark. But various reports range from as low as 8 to as high as 20 million, Shaws age and inexperience must be weighed against his obvious potential. However with Ashley Cole ageing, Chelsea are also thought to be tracking Shaw, and with him being a life long Chelsea fan, the Shaw to Chelsea move could be inevitable.
Baines has been courted by Moyes since the scot arrived at Manchester United with 2 failed bids in the summer. Everton are said to value him at around 16 Million, a large sum for for a left back entering the twilight of his career. However Baines is a proven premier league performer and would make an immediate impact at Manchester United.
Another Left back who United are apparently interested in is Fabio Coentrao from Real Madrid. Reports suggest the player would be available for around 15 million. Almost half of what Madrid paid for him. The highly rated Portugal star could be a more realistic signing than Shaw and would make better business sense than Baines being almost 5 years younger.
Whoever Moyes decides to go for, United must act faster than they did in the summer, and not leave the deal to last minute. Otherwise United’s left side will be a weakness teams will look to expose for a little while longer.
Shaw or Baines? Best bet is probably that you’ll get neither of them….
The article suggests that. Both are unrealistic for their own reasons. Great article though. Coentrao make more sense.
Good article Patrick. Although I think shaw may go to a big club instead. Not sure why he would go to a mid table team like west brom, Newcastle, Man United, villa etc. Man City or Chelsea more likely.
Not sure we’re a mid table club, but I see you’re point. He’s a Chelsea fan so it would make sense for him to go there. Unless city offer stupid money.