Tomos Llewellyn
With Leighton Baines looking more likely by the day to be wearing the United jersey for the coming season, spare a moment to consider how Patrice Evra and Alex Buttner may be feeling.
Former Everton manager David Moyes is keen to bring his old left back Baines with him to Old Trafford, but with Evra, Buttner and Fabio all vying for the number three spot already, what does that say for their futures in Manchester?
Evra has often deputised as captain of United in the absence of Nemanja Vidic over the last couple of seasons, and you feel the Red Devils need to strengthen in other areas before they worry about replacing the Frenchman. Why build an extension when the house still needs development.
Baines is likely to welcome a move up the M62, but it’s no secret how light United are in midfield. Many will feel the Everton man is an accessory that isn’t needed right now. Yes, he created the most amount of chances in the Premier League last season, but he isn’t likely to see quite as much of the ball at Old Trafford, with plenty of attacking outlets elsewhere.
If the England defender does come to the Theatre of Dreams, you feel that Moyes may call time on Evra’s United career, with youth on the side of both Buttner and Fabio. However, if Baines proves to be the sole big money signing should he come to the Reds, Moyes may well have plenty of questions to answer if the champions don’t hit the ground running come August.
Will Fabregas swear allegiance to a club he once rivalled? If a deal for the Catalan midfielder falls through, is there a plan b in place?
In Moyes we trust, we say with baited breath. Plenty of time, eh?
Sean Monaghan
man united are serious.