There’s no doubt that Manchester United are trying to step up their efforts in bringing a high-profile player, which they’ve failed to do so far this offseason. Next on their list? It seems that Luka Modric of Real Madrid, hoping he’ll be the one to solve their midfield problems, is it.
According to Sky Italia, the return of Ed Woodward from the club’s preseason tour in Australia means that there’s probably going down. Maybe it has something to do with the Wayne Rooney rumors, although you don’t need to call back someone from halfway around the world just to reject Chelsea. There’s a chance that this is about adding a player.
When it comes to midfielders, quality midfielders, United haven’t been very fortunate for the last couple of seasons. Lucas Moura, Wesley Sneijder, Thiago Silva and apparently Cesc Fabregas as well have all gone to other clubs, or remain where they were. Sometimes it’s United not offering enough money, or simply not sending out the right kind of appeal apparently. In any case, the need for a top-tier midfielder remains.
While Luka Modric expects to have a bigger role than he did last season for Real Madrid, the arrival of Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad means there’s even more competition than before for the positions in the middle of the field, with Xabi Alonso probably above Modric in the rotation. While Modric can do more than just the defensive midfielder role, the attacking spots are taken by Mesut Ozil and the arrival of Isco.
So is it back to the Premier League for Modric? Too soon to say. Real Madrid haven’t let anyone, including Gonzalo Higuain, go so far. This all pretty much depends on how much Carlo Ancelotti believes the Croatian midfielder can contribute to his team, and how well his second season with the club can go. There’s no doubt there’s a little bit feeling of someone who is out of place during his first season in the La Liga, playing for a massive club like Real Madrid.
However, Modric had his best moment for Real against Manchester United, scoring a brilliant goal at the Old Trafford in the Champions League. Maybe that was enough to catch their attention, but it’s probably their desperate need to bring in a proper signing, especially to the midfield, with the beginning of the season drawing nearer and nearer.