Inside My Football Brain

Since Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez left, I have always believed that United lacked a creative spark in the centre of midfield to provide things that will inspire the rest of the players.

Yes, we have lots of good midfield players but most of them are just ordinary midfield players. During the Ronaldo era, Manchester United game play was mostly based on attacks down the wide area and we used to play attacking football all the time. But since he left, Sir Alex has reverted to his old 4-4-2 formation while emphasizing more on midfield ball control, which I believe is a very good way to play direct football.

But we need that one touch of genius in the middle of the park—that would definitely stimulate more good chances being created for our growing number of forwards with huge potential.

So here I have compiled a list of creative midfielders that would definitely make a difference for Manchester United.


Wesley Sneijder
This small genius was the backbone of Inter's triumph last season and definitely caught the eyes of many after some majestic performances during the World Cup in the summer.

Sneijder is a very creative midfielder with an eye for the pass as well as the goal. He can play in the centre of the pack as well as behind the striker.

If he were to join United, I believe he would form a bright playing partnership with Fletcher in the middle with Fletcher taking care of the marking and Sneijder providing the touch of genius for Berbatov and Rooney. In addition, with Nani bombing down the flanks, the signing of this player could prove to be the start of a goal-scoring era for United.


Miguel Veloso
This defensive midfielder began to catch eyes after putting in some sparkling performances in the UEFA Champions League for Sporting Lisbon. Earlier this week, Nani spoke of his admiration for Veloso and what a good player he was.

Personally, I thought he would have been a better buy than Anderson, as he is a more versatile player. Veloso, who can also operate as a left back, currently plays for Genoa after coming in the summer from Sporting Lisbon, so it might have just reduced United's chances of getting him. Nevertheless, I still feel Manchester United would benefit hugely from this player if he joined them one day.


Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger has won many trophies in his still continuing career including five Bundesliga titles, five German Cups and two League Cups. A versatile player who can play almost anywhere in midfield, he has excellent dribbling skills, and is a specialist at set pieces, an area where United are still missing Ronaldo.

Schweinsteiger also has a hard shot, and often scores from outside the penalty area. He is also noted to have incredible stamina referring to his ability to constantly bombard up and down the pitch while maintaining a high level of consistent performance. He could definitely be the player to replace Paul Scholes.

But the major problem could be Bayern Munich's resistance to let him leave, as he is one of their most prized assets. But one thing that goes United's way is the fact that his brother, a Manchester United fan, is constantly nagging him about joining United.


Marko Marin
Dubbed as the “German Messi,” the player currently plays for Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Marin has made a name for himself with his direct dribbling, creative passing and eye for goal, mainly from a starting position on the left.

He has been the shining light in a Bremen side that has had a torrid season so far and sits just 11th in the Bundesliga. He caught the eye in England when he scored the equaliser in his side’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the Champions League in September.

Marin has this ability to float around anywhere in the midfield, giving defenders a torrid time. He can cross well, is good at set pieces and has an eye for goal.

He could very well be the man United need, as the sight of Nani and Marin combining with Rooney and Berbatov sounds delicious to me.


Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is a player buzzing with confidence after putting in some magnificent performances for Sunderland this season. Even at the age of 20, he is already a key player for the Black Cats and has repaid Steve Bruces's faith with some fantastic play for them.

Henderson, described by Steve Bruce as a midfielder with the ability to get up and down the pitch in no time, has already added a few million more to his value after making his England debut last month.

Only time will tell whether he will develop into a star player but if he progresses at the current rate, it will no doubt be good for him and even better for England. But it would be bad for the Black Cats, as larger clubs would definitely come knocking on the door. I hope Sir Alex does.