United need an offensive spark and should be looking for big names to help secure Champions League football. Among the rumors, here are both the biggest names and their chances of becoming Red Devils by February.
Odion Ighalo – 30% Chance
Of the in-form strikers this deal seems to be most plausible from Watford’s end. It is almost a certainty that 10th place Watford will get to play another year of Premier League football.
Despite his strength and recent performance, Watford remain quiet on Ighalo and conversely stubborn with Troy Deeney requests.. In addition, Ighalo publicly loving the idea of wearing the famed red shirt only puts gas on the fire.
Felipe Anderson – 10% Chance
This transfer has been all over reports, and Lazio do not seem opposed to letting him walk. Lazio’s sporting director, Igli Tare said, “we turned down a €50m offer from Manchester United on Aug. 27 and nothing has changed since then, because if he finds consistency, then he’s worth much more” and promised to “evaluate every offer.”
However, management at the Rome based club have stated that there hasn’t been any offer this January for the attacking midfielder from United and it seems that Woodward and Van Gaal have lost interest.
Sadio Mane- 40% Chance
Southampton say that Mane is absolutely not for sale this January, yet the rumors continue. Could it be a tactic to drive up his sale price? Possibly. Southampton have to assess their options as they sit 7 points off from European football in Fall 2016.
If their troubles continue into late January, then they might be willing to sell big while United are desperate. Anyway, Van Gaal has stated that if he is going to buy anyone, it is a “speedy winger.”
Gareth Bale- 5% Chance
In recent years, Gareth Bale has been Ed Woodward’s top “galactico” target. Now with his third manager in his third season at the Bernabeu it is fair to say that Bale will be gone before Zidane if the Welshman’s overall struggle continue. Bale did not approve of Rafa Benitez’s sacking and he has never been appreciated in Spain, so there is always the possibility that his mind is already set on leaving.
Yet, early signs are promising with his first La Liga match under Zidane’s leadership. Bale posted a hat-trick while playing in a floating attacking role without being subjected to his disfavored right wing. Regardless, this deal could be possible this summer.
James Rodriguez- 50% Chance
The 24-year old Colombian has fallen from favor this season and tension is only worsening under the new skipper.
Rodriguez is as good of a creator as anyone in the world. In addition to being able to pass, he has a rocket of shot and is deadly in set piece situations. He is perfect fit for Manchester United because he can be deployed as a winger and still make an impact.
However, with Memphis Depay, Jesse Lingard, or an additional signing eventually becoming regulars on the wing, Rodriguez can return to his favored number 10 role in the near future. Of any big name in the world, Rodriguez makes the most sense.
