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MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL SIGNING SPANISH STARLET GAVI FROM THE AUCTION FOR A BID OF £150,000,000. DESPITE THE AMOUNT OF POTENTIAL AT THE SPANIARDS FEET, NO OTEHR CLUB SUBMITTED OFFERED FOR THE YOUNG STAR. UNITED AS EXPECTED HAVE HAD A VERY SLOW WINDOW WITH THIS BEING ONLY THE SECOND ARRIVAL AT THE CLUB, FOLLOWING THE DEPARTURES OF ALLAN SAINT-MAXIMAN, ANTHONY ELANGA AND ODSONNE EDOUARD WHO NEVER EVEN UNPACKED HIS BAGS.
With the outs at the club it did bode question of, where do United submit their bid if at all especially after the positive comments following the arrival of Dutch winger Jadon Slory, the club looked to be well equipped in midfield so signing the another player in that area does seem to be a bit of a surprise. Some have questioned whether Gavis arrival means the club will move one of their more experienced bodies on, Fede Valdverde and Kalvin Phillips the two names springing to mind. Manager Steve Outten gave no indication of any forthcoming transfers showing a positive output on the clubs depth.
But, some reports have pointed that the club is forecast to make huge financial loses if they do run the squad they have citing there are too many expensive contracts at the club, whilst also pointing out the obligations in those contracts with some expecting and being promised high levels of playing time. Upon unveiling Gavi Outten claimed he was delighted with the competition and options at his disposal, and being very impressed with Gavi's ability.
Outten: "Gavi is a fine young player, infact he's a fine player full stop. This summer we set out sights on a diverse and fluid midfielder and Gavi is more than capable of playing in the 6, 8 or 10. He has bags of quality and is nowhere near his full potential yet. He has a hug future in the game and we're very happy he's going to do that here in Manchester. He adds to the quality we already have and he gives us an array of options in how and what we do.
"We have plenty of different options and propositions in the squad not which is what we wanted. We got knocked back on our main target a few times but now we've landed a better player, it's funny how things work out. We're very excited to see him start for us.
"I will say, just because we have one in, doesn't mean one is going out, we are very happy with the numbers we have and the competition is great which will push everyone on. I don't know where these reports are coming, from, we have no need to, or desire to sell right now so we are not going to entertain this kind of talk any further."
WHERE DOES GAVI FIT IN?
Despite Outten's positivity claim, it does ask the question where does Gavi fit. The Mancunian claiming the midfielder can play anywhere but where is his best position, where does he best fit in the team. There are a few posibilities below.
The diamond could be a way to the the three most "fluid" midfielders. Gavi could sit in the 8 along side the experienced Federico Valverde with both given freedom in the middle of the pitch whilst allowing the adventurous Pedro Porro to continue his attacking freedom at wingback. Bukayo Saka misses this line up as you'd think Anthony Gordons eye for goal would be looked to in a supporting role to the known front two.
A wide 433 might hold more strength than you think. Packing the centre of the park to allow the full backs freedom to get forward once again to create the width in attack, as the wide men come inside off the flanks and support the lone striker. Ofcourse Ansu Fati misses on our mock up, though the Spaniard is more than capable of playing a deeper role and could be an option wide also. This option would best suit Gavi in an attacking sense to get forward and link the play.
A bit unorthodox, but could Gavi play as a hybrid defender? You could see him come inside and join Phillips to pack the middle, this could also see Ansu Fati play that deeper role mentioned to further overload the centre of the park to potentially overload and dominate the ball With Porro still able to do what he does best and get forward.
A back 5 is always an option in FFO, and I don't think you would do this, but maybe going for every player who can tackle may be an option, but then you'd say Gavi has to then get into the 10 or even start as a 10. However, with Gordon and Saka then on the bench, you'd question why leaving the better attacking options out would be considered despite the previous claims.
A bit of a more farfetched option but could a false 9 be utilised. Of course not playing one of the forwards wouldn't be considered really would it? But it is another option where it bodes on the old Spanish tika taka leaving the centre backs no one to mark, another way to overrun the opposing midfield but as mentioned, goals may well be harder to comeby. Obviously you have to play a forward but if anything changes, who knows this might be considered.
Ofcourse time will tell with the season creeping up on us, we will soon find out who plays the opening game against Spurs and their new manager.
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