Player Focus: Is Schneiderlin the Player United Need to Win the Premier League?

For some Manchester United fans, the last few weeks have been spent dusting down the welcome home banners meant for Bastian Schweinsteiger. The banners that have been ready for what seems like an eternity, for a player that has become a big deal in parts of Old Trafford, despite only ever being an opponent. Why the hysteria this time around? Because Louis van Gaal had been hoping to reunite with the German this summer. However, in keeping with emerging reports, those banners can reluctantly be put back into storage, as United change course and join the race to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.
 
The news isn’t likely to sit well with some United fans. Understandably, opting for a player that has only established himself at Southampton over a player that has won the World Cup, the Champions League and eight Bundesliga titles would not immediately seem like shrewd business. However on this occasion, it might just be that.
 
In contrast to last summer it would seem fair to assume that Schneiderlin has already played his last game for Southampton. The France international has been the bedrock of the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League for the last seven years and now has his sights set firmly on Champions League football. His thirst for Uefa’s elite competition would seemingly rule Spurs out of the running, leaving just United and Arsenal in a straight shoot-out for his signature.
 
Arsenal had been in pole position to sign the Frenchman earlier in the year – after failing in their attempts 12 months ago – but saw their pursuit subside following the sudden emergence of Francis Coquelin and now must fend off the allure of United if they are to land the 25-year-old.
 
For United, it must simply come down to a matter of needs must: the style of Schweinsteiger or the efficiency of Schneiderlin. Sir Alex Ferguson tried and failed in signing Schweinsteiger on a number of occasions during his United tenure, but Van Gaal had hoped to use his close bond to the player - from their time together at Bayern - to barter a deal.
 
In one sense, the arrival of Schweinsteiger would make a lot of sense for United. Looking beyond his obvious star quality, the 30-year-old would also bring a wealth of Champions League experience, which Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera – current occupiers of central midfield – are not blessed with.
 
Having secured Champions League football back at Old Trafford in his first season, Van Gaal will be looking to progress as far as possible in the competition in his second. Nonetheless, two central midfielders that are not used to the evolving nature of the Champions League could hamper any realistic ambitions for the club and it is unsurprising the Dutchman has flirted with the idea of reconvening with Schweinsteiger, particularly at a cost of less than £10m.
 
United fans with an eye on the future might turn their nose up at the idea of signing a player that will soon be approaching his twilight. However, last season’s performances suggest that the German still has plenty to offer in a measured and strategic system in place at United that would suit him perfectly. The German midfielder averaged more than 87 passes every 90 minutes in the Bundesliga last season, 13 more than Herrera managed for United in the Premier League. Even against harder opposition in Europe, he was still able to make more than 83 passes per 90 mins, again far superior to anything United’s midfielders could muster the last time they took part in European competition two years ago.
 
The Bayern midfielder would certainly bring a calming influence to the United midfield as well as precision going forward. Having already worked under Van Gaal in the past, United would also benefit from a player that can slot straight into proceedings. For United fans, this would be the glamour signing.

 
However, if United were to look beyond this, which they appear to have done, then Schneiderlin could prove the signing that gives Van Gaal the foundations to build a side that can perform on a consistent basis.
 
United’s reliance on Michael Carrick shielding the back four has been relentless over the last few years. However, persistent injury problems have meant that Carrick has only started in just over half of United’s matches in the Premier League in the last two years. At 33, his injury problems aren’t likely to subside - despite the manner of his role - so a long-term replacement is a pressing concern and would offer one explanation to United’s sudden change in approach.
 
In terms of Schneiderlin’s class, no player in the Premier League has made more tackles and interceptions over the last three years than the 25-year-old (626). Even a player like Pablo Zabaleta, arguably one of the finest defenders in recent Premier League history, was a distant second (521).
 
Transitional stages proved a problem at times for United last season. Van Gaal’s men were prepared to throw plenty men forward into their attacks but were often found wanting at the back if they conceded possession – best exemplified in their 5-3 defeat to Leicester. Schneiderlin would certainly go a long way to filling that void.
 
This might be the best chance United have of signing Schweinsteiger with his place in Pep Guardiola’s side uncertain. However, given the question marks lingering over Carrick’s long-term fitness and the class Schneiderlin has shown in the last few years he might just be the choice that gives United the greatest chance of mounting a prolonged title tilt.
 
They could, of course, just buy both.

If both are available, which of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin should United sign? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below