Rumours have been rife, not only this summer, but the last few years of Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan making the switch to Old Trafford. Weak efforts at dampening the link from the man himself and recent uncertainty on his future has caused the link to be stronger than it’s ever been. However, despite the actual rumours themselves, what would he actually bring to United?
Creativity
Not something that the side clearly appears to be struggling with, thanks to the likes of Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick who thread balls through successfully and consistently in their respective ways. However with Carrick becoming increasingly unreliable due to persistent injury trouble, an extra midfielder who can create chances may be necessary. Statistically Gundogan beats Carrick and Herrera for both chances created and key passes per game, with Herrera equalling him in assists. Although Angel Di Maria and Juan Mata beat the German international in this respect they more often find themselves in wider positions for United meaning that more guile would be needed from more central positions; United have struggled to regularly open up teams through the middle for a considerable length of time, something that is attributed to Falcao’s struggles as far as how he likes to receive his chances in his brief time with the Red Devils, despite his own clear failures. Gundogan would add much needed craft to the weaponry and help mould the side into one that van Gaal desires, one which can create chances in multiple ways.
Flexibility
Most Manchester United fans know by now that Louis van Gaal likes his players to be adaptable and able to play in more than one position, something he noted about both Daley Blind and Memphis Depay on the announcement of their arrivals. Gundogan, although not as clearly versatile as those players, is able to play in both the number six and number eight role (deep lying playmaker and box-to-box midfielder). This would soften the blow of the potential (mandatory) absence of Carrick throughout the season, given that Gundogan has proven with Dortmund that he can play in that role. Much like Herrera, Gundogan can fulfil box-to-box duties in a style of play similar to the Spaniard, this is his best role and allows him to greater influence attacks whilst also helping breaking up play. Whether he and Herrera, or he and Carrick could fit alongside one another in a line-up is debatable, however all great title winning sides either have great squad depth or extreme luck, usually the former. Having him at United would add not only quality to the side but a valuable option apart from those already at the manager’s disposal.
Winning/big game mentality
With a Bundesliga title and Champions League runner-up medal to his name (a final in which he futilely equalised in), Ilkay Gundogan is no stranger to the big occasion. Breaking, even if temporarily, the dominance of Bayern in Germany is no mean feat, showing not only the quality of the side but the mental strength of all of the Dortmund squad that won back-to-back titles, Gundogan included. The penalty that drew his side level with Bayern in the 2012/13 Champions League final changed the game although they still went on to lose, normal penalty taker or not, the conversion of the spot-kick took great character and the fact that he done it with aplomb shows his mentality. Factor in the fact that he regular plays for the recent World Cup winning country, a team currently exuding the confidence of world conquerors, and you’ve got a player that doesn’t shrink in the face of pressure. Adding winners to your ranks is always a bonus and Gundogan would be an exceptional example of that. Investing in winners such as Di Maria, Blind and Depay will greatly aid United’s quest for a reunion with silverware and Gundogan would only aid their cause.
These three reasons go to show what Gundogan would bring to Manchester United if he was to sign, although recent reports link him with a contract renewal. The man himself has said that news on his decision will come soon and United fans can only hope that he opts for a change of scenery. His back injury is a note of concern as these particular injuries are known to be recurring, although his injury-free 2014/15 season proved that he is capable of performing still and would be a valuable asset to most top sides in Europe.
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