Lucas Moura, Leighton Baines, Nuri Sahin and Robin van Persie have all been closely linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but which is most badly needed by the Red Devils?
POLLHaving lost their Premier League title to “noisy neighbours” Manchester City last term, the pressure is on Manchester United to make the right moves in the transfer market to rally and regain their crown in 2012-13.
Plenty of targets have been mooted for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, but four have emerged as their most keenly-pursued potential additions: Lucas Moura, Leighton Baines, Nuri Sahin and now Robin van Persie.
Sao Paulo starlet Lucas is tipped for great things and the Red Devils are preparing to go in big for him with a final £32 million offer, but is attacking midfield the position that most needs reinforcement?
Everton left-back Baines is being targeted as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, with the Toffees placing a £17m price tag on the defender, but would the inflated price that is usually required for an English player mean that the deal would represent poor value for money?
Sahin has struggled to fit in at Real Madrid amid injuries and inconsistent form, with United’s interest drawn by his potential availability on the cheap compared to Lucas and the 23-year-old’s undoubted talent. But is he the most pressing concern?
Meanwhile, Sir Alex claimed on Friday that he is interested in snapping up wantaway Arsenal captain Van Persie, who is trying to force a move away from north London. But can United hope to compete with the pull of mega-rich league champions Manchester City for his signature?
With the Glazer regime restricting budget somewhat, it is unlikely that the veteran manager will be able to snap up all four of his chief targets. So, if it comes down to a straight choice, who should be his priority target?
HAVE YOUR SAY
Do United most need to reinforce their midfield with the addition of Lucas or Sahin? Is cover for a declining Evra in the shape of Baines badly required? Or should a proven Premier League striker like Van Persie be most keenly coveted? Let us know your opinion by voting in our poll and leaving a comment below, or getting in touch via Facebook and Twitter.
