Football Team Soccer: Paul Scholes

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Is £25 million Young the Best Man for United?

Ashley Young Ashley Young of England in action during the international friendly match between England and Ghana at Wembley Stadium on March 29, 2011 in London, England.

As a child, Ashley Young was a devoted Arsenal fan. That isn't the best introduction considering United's fierce rivalry with the Gunners, but don't worry, "They're just another team" now according to the 25 year old who has been recently linked to a big money move away from Aston Villa to clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool.

Since joining Aston Villa in 2007, he has always been an attacking threat that is a nuisance for defenders to deal with. In his second season at Villa, Young managed 17 assists and nine goals, as well as every wingers' ambition - to leave the defenders dizzy. However, despite winning Player of the month twice in 2008, many performances have been shaky and ineffective. His pace and dribbling abilities are obviously his strong points, but his strength and sometimes effort have let him down.

His recent performances for England have propelled him to a higher level however, and his impressive two games against Wales and Ghana have certainly changed my mind about him. In both international games he looked very bright, and one of England's main threats as he thrived in the 4-3-3 formation - being given a more free and roaming role against Ghana in the absence of Rooney.

His club may not be having the best time this season; currently wavering in the midst of a relegation battle which, considering the players they have, is hard to believe, but he has impressed. 8 goals, 8 assists and attempting a total of 64 shots is ambitious and not bad going, and he has the spark to be a great winger.

But is he good enough, do they need him and will he fit into the Manchester United side?

First of all, at that price, it's a no go. A £25 million transfer fee and apparently, £100,000 a week wages is way too much for a player who rarely shines against top opposition. Yes, he can perform well against sides with poor defences - four goals against Blackburn and one each against Bolton and Wigan this season. He did score 1 each against against United and Chelsea, but from the penalty spot. Whether he has turned a corner whilst in an England shirt remains to be seen, but when United play in Europe, all of the players have to perform to progress.

I don't think Nani will leave this summer, but if he does - which has been rumoured, Young wouldn't be a bad replacement. He hasn't had as good a season as Nani - who has been exceptional, but under Ferguson, he may be able to improve to United's level. Ryan Giggs has extended his contract at United for another year, but if Young were to arrive before the Welshman's departure, he could only benefit from a man who ruled the wings for about 20 years.

Pace, dribbling ability and superb crossing were exactly what Giggs possessed in his early to late twenties, but as Young is used more of a central threat and further up the pitch, he may become a better player. Even if Sir Alex has been given £100 million, the price is still a stumbling block as well as the proposed wages. The money, I believe should be used for a Paul Scholes replacement primarily, and then after that, perhaps a winger. A player like Wesley Sneijder should be priority.

"The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real." - But...

Wesley Sneijder Wesley Sneijder of FC Inter Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale Milano at Olimpico Stadium on February 13, 2011 in Turin, Italy.

It is no secret that Manchester United need reinforcements in midfield. The frailty's have been for all to see this season, and it is credit to the winning mentality at the club that they are at the top of the Premier League table by five points without playing their best football.

Paul Scholes is still yet to sign an extension on his contract with the club, and if he does decide to retire or move on at the end of the season, Sir Alex will urgently need to find a replacement. Likewise, Owen Hargreaves' injuries continue to pester him, and whether or not Ferguson decides to stick with him and attempt to get his moneys worth for the Canadian is yet to be seen.

Nevertheless, it is no surprise that Inter Milan have confirmed United's interest in Wesley Sneijder. Last summer, Sir Alex dismissed the fact that he had made a bid for the 26 year-old Dutchman. He said:

“I don’t know where those reports about Sneijder came from. How can anybody turn me down when I haven’t even made a bid?”

The interest however has now been confirmed by the Inter Milan President, Massimo Moratti who said this:

“The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real. But I didn’t look into it. My only interest is seeing Sneijder play here for many more years to come.”

Sneijder is the creative spark that the United midfield would love to have. In 21 games this season, the Dutchman has scored 3, created 5 and unleashed an ambitious 93 shots on goal. He is quick, strong and powerful with accurate shooting ability but apparently out of United's reach.