Villa Or Silva Or Both?

29 October 09 by Bill

United have once again been linked with January moves for Valencia’s star men, David Villa and David Silva. The future of both Spanish Internationals was the focus of much media attention over the summer with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool keeping tabs on the situation to name but a few.

Valencia managed to hold on to their prized assets in the summer but as their financial troubles show no sign of letting up, it looks increasingly likely they will lose one if not both in the winter.

Ferguson chose not to reinvest the bulk of the £80 million received in the world record transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo over the summer; opting instead to give his existing squad an opportunity and keep well clear of the inflated transfer fees being bounded about.

But as United chase silverware on all fronts, it looks clear that we are short of one or two top players and Fergie may well be lining up a swoop for the highly rated Spanish stars.

David Villa is one of the world’s top rated strikers and is on many club’s shortlist. He finished top scorer at Euro 2008 and was the 3rd most prolific striker in La Liga last term. Despite previously stating his preference to stay in Spain, it is unknown whether Barcelona (who are reportedly after Robinho) or Real Madrid (who signed Benzema to partner Raul up front) would bid for the 27 year old meaning he may be more open to the idea of a move to England.

In bringing Villa to United, Ferguson would have some tough decisions to make up front. Would Michael Owen become surplus to requirements? Would Dimitar Berbatov become third choice striker? Villa certainly wouldn’t join to sit on the bench so a front pairing or Rooney and Villa seems most obvious and does make your moth water just thinking about it.

United do have a decent number of options up front but is it really enough? Dimitar Berbatov impresses on occasions but question marks still hang over the Bulgarian’s work rate. Even if you ignore his lethargic approach to the game, 3 goals (against Stoke, Wigan and Sunderland) in 14 appearances just isn’t enough.

Michael Owen has managed to match Berbatov’s tally of 3 having played less than half the football of the Bulgarian. Owen will get goals; we already know that but surely he’s not of the calibre required to lead the line on a regular basis?

The other David, David Silva, is reportedly keener on a move to England than his compatriot and appears to favour United over any other team in the country.

Silva, 23, can play on either wing or through the middle and has both vision and pace. He too was a member of the Spanish side which won Euro 08 and is also highly rated amongst those in the know of world football.

Antonia Valencia is arguably United’s best winger and as he grows in stature, we can expect to see him make the right wing his own. On the other flank though, all is not so clear cut. It was hoped Nani would step his game up this season but frustratingly, he seems unable to meet the standards set down to him. Park is injured but as with Owen, even fit, he simply doesn’t have the quality to be regarded as a first team regular.

United do have a number of young wingers bursting with potential but in a business when results are key, having a tried and tested member among the ranks would be ideal.

Reports suggest a bid of £50 would be enough to secure the services of Villa and Silva. Both have a lot to offer and would be excellent Manchester United signings. Up front, United perhaps have enough to cope. Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda are both on the fringes of the first team and when you include them in the strike force, you cannot se any room for a world class striker. Not without sales anyway.

David Silva however is the more likely of the two. United may have wingers, but quality wingers are few and far between. Silva would sort that and who knows, perhaps the competition would raise Nani’s game to the level we have been hoping it would reach for a while. Fergie Fergie sign him up!