It's going to be a long summer for Manchester United fans, as a lot of players are being linked with a move to the club.
With the deep-lying midfielder position being one of the areas the Red Devils are trying to fill a gap at, Louis van Gaal is keen to sign a player in that position during this transfer window.
“No.6 is a key player, yes. I have more key roles – the no.6 is just one of those key roles. You have seen this season, for example, because Michael Carrick is injured and I don't have another, I have to play with Ander Herrera there. He did it very well, but it is not his specialty." The Dutch manager confirmed when asked about that position by MUTV.
“I have played Wayne Rooney there also, but it is not his favored position. I had to do this because I don't have another right-footed holding midfielder like Carrick. That is why it is a key role, but I cannot discuss other positions because then I show too much.” van Gaal continued.
At the current stage, everything remains just a rumor, but according to The Guardian, United have had a first bid of £20m rejected by Southampton but an improved bid of around £25m is set to be submitted at this stage although the Saints are willing to sell Morgan Schneiderlin for around £30m.
What could Schneiderlin bring to Old Trafford?
Balance. Schneiderlin's passing and tackling abilities are two of the main factors the team was missing during Michael Carrick's absence last season. The Frenchman won 79 tackles in 26 games last season. More than Blind (43), Herrera (45), Carrick (19) and Fellaini (48).
He scored 4 goals and bagged one assist completing 89% of his passes with 19 key passes and 20 chances created.
An addition to to van Gaal's midfield, yet a perfect replacement for veteran Michael Carrick.
Possible midfield lineups?
With a player of his profile, the Dutch manager will have some options available to pick from. Let's take a look at some:
4-4-2 (The Diamond):
Schneiderlin will provide safety and cover for Juan Mata in this system so that the Spanish international can safely help the strikers in the system. Ander Herrera (on his right) will provide the French international with cover, shall the latter gets involved in offensive gameplay. On the other hand, Di Maria, Young, or even Depay will benefit from Schneiderlin's passes in order to initiate attacks from the left side.
4-3-3:
The key to this system's success could be Angel Di Maria. If Manchester United deploy this system well, expect a lot of possession, creativity and well formed attacks. With Schneiderlin sitting in front of the back-four, he will tackle, poses and distribute the ball with his dreadful passing techniques. With Herrera on his right, we expect creativity, energetic passes/movements as well as cover. And if Angel Di Maria finally finds himself performing well within Louis van Gaal's team, we can expect some creative touches and finishes from that particular position. Let's not forget, Di Maria's position at such a particular system was key to Real Madrid's tenth Champions League trophy in the 13/14 season.
4-2-3-1:
A lot of options are available for the Dutch manager here. The main benefit of this system is controlling and dominating the midfield (provided by Schneiderlin & Carrick) , especially if Manchester United qualify for the UEFA Champions League 2015/16 group stages.
Mata's creativity is essential on the right. On the left side, the wingers' dribbling skills will provide pace and penetration. And in the number 10 role, van Gaal has some options to select from, with each one of them providing the up-front striker with the assistance he needs.
Conclusion
If both Manchester United and Southampton agree on a deal which brings Schneiderlin to Old Trafford, the above provided stats and analysis can only tell it could become a bargain. A player who could provide something which has been missing at Old Trafford for a while now.