Is Moura the midfielder United need?

Sir Alex Ferguson today confirmed that Manchester United were keen to bring in Lucas Moura from Sao Paulo. Speculation surrounding his future has been rife in recent weeks, with the 19-year-old also attracting interest from Inter Milan. Despite dismissing reports that a £26m fee had been agreed with the young midfielder, Ferguson confirmed that he is interested in taking Moura to Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, despite his potential talent, Moura isn’t the midfielder Manchester United need. Preferring to support the front-men or play on the wing, the Brazilian is playing in the position that would be covered by new arrivals Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell. As it is, United need to secure a midfielder that will hold rather than push forward.

With the uncertainty surrounding Darren Fletcher and his chronic bowel problems, the Red Devils could do with bringing in a new face in case the Scotland star is forced to retire. Following the departure of Paul Pogba, United are in desperate need of a tough tackling midfielder that is capable of breaking up play and instigating attacks.

In Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes, Ferguson has two midfielders that will sit as the deep lying playmaker, but with Scholes set to retire next summer, a replacement would be ideal. Joao Moutinho would be the perfect successor, or even Yann M’Vila or Javi Martinez. Nevertheless, it is pivotal for the 12-time Premier League champions to move for a new midfielder, but as good as Moura is, he isn’t the man to fill the void that could emerge in the foreseeable future.