Fergie: To buy or not to buy?

Sir Alex Ferguson shocked us all just over a week ago with the announcement of Paul Scholes coming out of retirement, as Manchester United’s solitary signing so far in this January transfer window – a move that has left some United fans excited, whilst leaving others scratching their heads.

The previous summer was marked by the Red Devils by making three major signings in the mould of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea at a cost of around £50million. Although, the major debate surrounding the club was not so much about the players they had acquired, it was the one they had not, namely the creative midfield player - Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder.

Fergie’s logic was clear: The young Tom Cleverley is the future of the club and spending £30million+ on a 27 year old is not part of the long term plans. However, after being propelled straight into the first-team, and a blistering start to the season, Cleverley has found himself on the sidelines as a long term injury absentee. And it must be said, United’s midfield has been lacking something ever since.

We now find ourselves in the January transfer window; a time when Sir Alex has previously warned fans that he will not do business that doesn’t represent good value for the club. And the news travels that Paul Scholes has signed a deal that will see him play for the club until the end of the season, revealing he missed football after retiring in the summer of 2011.

So what does this deal represent for United? A lack of money to spend? A failure to attract the talent required? Probably a bit of both. It is common knowledge that the red side of Manchester are no longer the club with the largest financial clout in the Premier League. But it is clear there is money to be spent when the right player at the right age can be found.

So don’t be surprised if this summer, Manchester United spend big money on a creative central midfield player. But also don’t be surprised if he’s not yet the finished product. Because United have one advantage over many of their rivals, a vast scouting network that can uncover gems like Javier Hernandez for £6million. Because of United’s financial situation, resale value is now crucial for every player they sign. Young players like Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, purchased for a combined value of £28million, will be worth that each in a few years to come – the long term game is the one United play now, one that requires patience from fans. Especially at the current time, when the squad are clearly in transition, and a changing of the ‘old guard’ is taking place.   

But for any worried United fans, the future is bright, and they will continue to attract young, talented players – just beware that Barcelona and Real Madrid will be watching them; although another £80million or so doesn’t sound so bad does it..?