Fresh off wrapping up the signing of Argentine defender Marcos Rojos from Sporting Lisbon Manchester United are set to plunge into the transfer market again with a massive double transfer from Spanish giants Real Madrid signing both ex-Liverpool player Xabi Alonso and Argentine World Cup star Angel Di Maria. In truth this two-player deal makes perfect sense to both sides. The European champions have just signed Tony Kross and James Rodriguez meaning that their midfield is overstocked with talent and in need of a summer clearout. As good a player as Angel Di Maria is, the sense is that Real Madrid could do without him.
Before even the time of Beckham, Zidane, and Figo Real Madrid have always been a club of Galacticos and for whatever reason Angel Di Maria's face has never quite fit. Xabi Alonso meanwhile will be 33 years old in November and the club are reportedly annoyed at his loss of weight over the summer. Even more than Di Maria the World Cup winner Alonso is now seen as expendable.
Manchester United by contrast have the opposite problem the midfield cupboard is rather bare. Michael Carrick is out injured for the next few months. Tom Cleverley lacks the requisite quality to win midfield battles against top teams. Marouane Fellaini lacks the mobility to play in midfield and in any case is now out for an extended period with ankle ligament damage.
Juan Mata is talented but is an attack-minded player rather than a midfield general. Whilst new-boy Ander Herrera will require time to settle in.
Seen in this light a swoop for Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso makes perfect sense. This midfield trio would instantly give Manchester United quality and depth to compete for the Premier League title.
Di Maria combines both a hard working midfielder and a creative outlet. Xabi Alonso meanwhile would offer Manchester United a metronomic passer with bags of English Premier League experience.
The deal for Di Maria will likely cost a transfer fee of £50 million with the same again in wages. The signing of Alonso would be slightly cheaper.
Given his age, Alonso would cost about £20 million in transfer fees and about the same again in wages. With the transfer window slamming shut in the next few weeks expect to see Manchester United act quickly and take both players off Real Madrid's hands.
