In my previous post regarding replacements for Ronaldo and Tevez, I had mentioned several options. These included Benzema, Silva, Moutinho, Aguero, Nistelrooy, and Owen. SInce then, Benzema has moved to Madrid, and Fabiano and Huntelaar are the two new names linked with United. But the best news came yesterday, when it was reported that United are looking to sign Michael Owen for a pay-as-you-play deal for an initial one year, and that too on a free transfer. Suffice to say, it was a satisfying vindication of an idea I had put forward when there was not a chance of any club in the Premiership landing Owen because of his injury record, except Hull City.

What would be the impact of Michael Owen moving to Manchester United ? Even now, a lot of people are discounting the move, saying he has to pass a stringent medical. But it is to be understood that Sir Alex would not have moved for Owen had he not known he could get him playing in top form in around three-four months from now. The medical is just obligatory, nothing more. Owen has as good as signed for United, notwithstanding what Liverpool fans might have to say on the matter, and even United fans.

Owen would, in his best form, bring to the table an unmatched goal-poaching ability, something which probably even Dimitar Berbatov, and Wayne Rooney, for all his incredible talent, still don't have. Additionally, Owen is different from the two in the sense that he does not track back too much, which is exactly what is required of a striker at United right now. In the previous season, chances could not be created often enough simply because both Rooney and Berbatov would have tracked back to retrieve the ball from midfield. With Owen, there will be a target man who will hover like a constant threat in the penalty box.

Owen, despite his short stature, has the ability to head balls cleanly as well, an abiltiy which United would be losing with Ronaldo going. He also retains the ability to go on a short and fast mazy run between defenders, creating a chance to score on his own or create a pass while the defence is concentrating on him. I saw him do it on three occasions last season, and this was when he was injured. Imagine him doing so when he's completely fit.

With Owen in the frame, United now have thee frontline forwards to choose from. not counting the likes of Welbeck and Macheda, who are explosive in their own way in front of goal. With this transfer, I don't think anyone else is needed to bolster the forward line, since a chance should be given to youngsters as well. I, however, believe that Sir Alex will still move for one of either Aguero, Fabiano, or Huntelaar, and its really hard to pick who can be taken among the three, simply because all three are top players, and would want regular starts, somehting not essentially guaranteed at United with Berbatov and Rooney.  think only Huntelaar will be a bit accomodating in this regard. 

I think all United need now is an attacking midfielder, something of the trequistera of Italian football, capable of playing in the hole behind the strikers and creating and contributing with goals of his own. Come on Sir Alex, sign up David Silva !!! He will ceratinly be the link which can guide United to yet another mammoth season, including the Permiership and Champions' League trophies.