Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
When Paul Scholes retired from Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson focused his attention on replacing the Old Trafford legend with a player who mirrored the same attributes.
It really is no hidden secret that the reds made a serious and lucrative offer for Inter Milan midfield play maker Wesley Sneijder, the deal never happened and United suffered without that touch of calmness and class in the centre of park.
A sensational derby day comeback in January from retirement by Paul Scholes proved that Sir Alex was regretting not adding a touch of class to his midfield department, sensing that maybe there was too much weight of expectation placed on United youngster Tom Cleverley’s shoulders for him to be expected to take the baton from Scholes and hit the ground running.
Scholes could have another season left in his tank depending on how Sir Alex uses him, but one thing has certainly become clear, United will need to replace him when he finally brings down the curtain on his illustrious career for the second and final time!
I’m sure it has not gone unnoticed by Sir Alex that a certain Cesc Fabregas is currently struggling to register any playing time on his Barcelona staff key fob at the Camp Nou, a player the United manager knows all about from the Spaniards playing days at Arsenal.
Reports in the Spanish media have also recently indicated that the player is unhappy at his lack of first team opportunities, Fabregas was quick to deny these rumours this week claiming that he is happy at Barcelona and is prepared to work hard and fight his way back into the Barcelona team.
It was Pep Guardiola who signed Fabregas, Guardiola left his post with the Catalan team at the end of last season and it remains uncertain if new manager Tito Vilanova sees the player as part of his future plans.
Fabregas would be an interesting and realistic target for United and at 25 years old would definitely prove value for money as you know exactly what you would be getting from him, he is a proven Premier League player who provides and scores goals, he also knows how to play a pass, in many ways he is a similar player to Scholes.
We will have a clearer indication regarding Fabregas’ future at the Camp Nou in January or next summer, by then he could be back in the first team frame at his boyhood club, but if there was the slightest hint he was unhappy and wanted first team football and a return to the Premier League, I am sure United would launch a bid to land his services.
If Barcelona were happy to recoup the £25million fee they paid Arsenal for his services it would prove to be a shrewd bit of business when you consider the kind of transfer fees clubs pay for players in today’s crazy transfer market, Jordan Henderson cost Liverpool £20million!
The recent signing of Robin van Persie could work in United’s favour and make a move to Old Trafford seem more appealing to Fabregas following their playing days at Arsenal where they were good friends and team mates, players are often instructed and encouraged by their club managers to put in a word with players they are interested in, van Persie could surly be used to contact Fabregas if the club were given the green light to start negotiations?
It remains to be seen if Fabregas would want a move away from his boyhood team after such a short spell, but one thing is for sure, if he ever become available he would be the ideal candidate who ticks all the boxes when Manchester United look to replace an iconic and legendary midfield player named Paul Scholes.
By Kevin Ashford @KevinAshford7
Cesc Fabregas is not going anywhere, he will eventually take the place of an ageing Xavi in the Barca team.
Don't kid yourselves, even if Fabregas does decide to leave Barca he would never sign for Alex Feguson/Man Utd.
Unlike RVP, Cesc Fabregas still has his dignity intact.
Sort your grammar and spelling out mate. If you're gonna post something at least let it be sound. On a side note, there isn't a need for a like for like replacement, as Ferguson has not bought any like for like replacements for any of the great players that have left United – van Nistlerooy, Beckham, Stam, Keane, Cantona, the list goes on. Granted there may need to be more midfield talent brought in, but we have Carrick, Cleverley, Anderson, Petrucci, Tunnicliffe, Powell all very capable players in their own right, and all potentially apt replacement for the Ginger Prince. If you're gonna say that some of them are not tested and proven in the league, then to that I'll say that buying someone in has no guarantees of success as well, regardless of if he's been plying his trade in the Premier League or not.
I agree that Fabregas is not a player for United. He is not explosive enough, not inventive enough, he can pass and run but that's not enough to make him world class. However I don't see Anderson as a United legend, Powell has it all and Cleverley needs a big season this year. We still miss that creative spark and yet with Kagawa, RvP and Rooney is there a combination that will work.
I see far more 4-3-3 and 4-1-3-2 formations than 4-4-2 and in those it's possible Carrick can hold and with Young or Valencia with 2 of Cleverley , Kagawa and Rooney we might see a lot of ovals from that attacking midfield position.
We don't need or want Fabregas.