There are few young players that have slipped the net of Sir Alex Ferguson over the years and very few have turned down the opportunity of moving to Old Trafford when presented with the chance – Joe Cole is one such player that did, much to the frustration of Ferguson.

Redknapp always tell the story that the first question that Fergie use to ask him whenever they spoke was how the young Cole was doing and progressing at West Ham. Fortunately for Ferguson the failure to land Cole was softened due to the genius of Paul Scholes and therefore his playmaking talents and skills were not exactly missed at Old Trafford. You do wonder now whether there is now an opening for him in the United midfield and if Sir Alex can afford to pass the opportunity up.

Watching United this season I have found them extremely flat to watch at times due to a lack of dynamism in the middle. Anderson is ever improving, but is he good enough to play week in, week out, at present and provide that creative edge? Joe Cole could offer Fergie an embarrassment of riches in that he can play on either flank, centrally or in behind the front men should Sir Alex look to adopt a diamond formation in midfield. The added bonus in the summer is that he will cost United nothing, given he is yet to sign a new deal at the Bridge.

Cole’s contract situation is a complex one. While Chelsea will be keen to keep him the bottom line is that there are no guarantees that he’ll be a first team regular, given the rigid formation they play. Cole will have to weigh up whether he is prepared to continue to play second fiddle at the Bridge or have a far greater opportunity to obtain regular first team football at Old Trafford, with the possibility to play in his more natural and favoured central role. I think Fergie would be crazy not to try and tempt Cole up to Manchester, especially as he’ll be a freebie.

Would Cole be a welcome addition at Old Trafford, or should Fergie look elsewhere for a creative edge?

Written By Dan Lyle