Wesley-Sneijder-Inter-Milan

The end of era is well and truly upon the horizon of Old Trafford, Gary Neville has retired, Edwin Van Der Sar is retiring and Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are contemplating hanging up their boots. The four mentioned players have been the spine of the Red Devils success over recent years and Sir Alex Ferguson has acknowledged that he needs to make three signings in order to replace the departing players. Aston Villa's Ashley Young, Atletico Madrid's David De Gea and Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder are thought to be the three possible acquisitions, but should the United faithful be excited by these potential signings?

A Goalkeeper is Ferguson's main priority this transfer window with second choice Tomasz Kuszczak signalling his intent on leaving and the jury is still out on Anders Lindegaard ability. David De Gea is now deemed to be Fergie's number one target after losing out on Schalke 04 shot stopper Manuel Neuer. The heir to Iker Casillas number one spot for Spain, is highly rated within the world of football and is an exciting prospect for the United manager due to him only being 20 years of age, however youth is something of doubled edged sword for managers in football, especially when it comes to goalkeepers. It would very much be a case of 'sink or swim' for the current Atletico Madrid keeper and a club of Manchester United's stature cannot afford for De Gea to sink. Although the future is bright for the Spaniard, Fergie would do well in securing his services but perhaps also look to bring in an experienced understudy, I'm not exactly sure who but if I did, I would probably be as successful as SAF.

We all know what an exciting and phenomenal talent Wesley Sneijder...was, this season has seen the Dutch play maker fail to live up to the heights of 2009/10 season but I suppose eclipsing being named UEFA midfielder of the year was always going to be hard. Despite not being as influential the former Ajax man is still a genuine talent and would offer Manchester United that extra dimension in their defence of the Premiership crown next season. Sneijder is quick, strong on the ball and has a impeccable passing accuracy and range, many of the attributes that Paul Scholes possess. The Red Devils must be licking their lips at the prospect of Sneijder donning the Manchester United colours next season.

Ashley Young has seen his value rocket this season after impressive performances for club and country, but would Fergie be overpaying for a classic media hyperbole player or would this investment in years to come be seen as one of the Scots greatest signings? There is no doubting the former Watford man can make the step-up (Watford to Villa and then Villa to England), so I doubt there is any cause for concern about whether the winger would struggle to make an impact at Old Trafford, the problem lies in where do you accommodate the England international? Luis Nani and Antonio Valencia have both been hugely impressive when they have played this season and Young is very much a similar style of player to the two players. There is obviously, room on the bench for Young but clearly this wont satisfy the current Villa player's aspirations, however should SAF move for the England ace, the Red Devils faithful should be very excited indeed.

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