During last year’s winter transfer window, David Moyes’ job as Manchester United manager was under threat, as the Scotsman’s team were lying in 7th place during January. Along with the signing of Spaniard Juan Mata, Moyes was looking to make other signings to help spur United up the table. One transfer target who was heavily linked, was Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio.
‘Sometimes I have received phone calls from agents who told me of the interest of clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool,’ Marchisio’s father and agent Stefano told Calciomercato.
There were rumours that United offered the Bianconeri £20 million for the services of the Italian international, but there wasn’t any confirmation about a bid, or whether it got rejected. Even if Juventus did accept an offer from United, it would have been likely that Marchisio would have rejected the chance to move to England, to stay in Turin. The 29-year-old came through Juventus’ youth system, and has somewhat become a club legend, after devoting his future to the Old Lady, as he recently signed a new five-year contract.
United’s Line-up and future with Marchisio
As I have Italian heritage, I became interested in the Serie A, which is now one of my favourite leagues. I would have been ecstatic if United had signed Marchisio last year, as he would have significantly improved our strength and depth of central-midfield options. At the time, Marouane Fellaini was having a difficult spell playing a deeper role, along with Tom Cleverley who was receiving criticism for his performances. If Marchisio made the switch to Old Trafford, is likely we would have seen a partnership between him and Michael Carrick.
The Italian is considered to be the all-round central midfielder, who has creative qualities going forward, but also strong in the tackle, with a high-energy work rate. During his Juventus career, he’s been able to play in any midfield position when called upon, either on the wing, deep-lying, or advanced role.
With the hypothetical arrival of Marchisio, the future transfers of Ander Herrera and recent recruits Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin may not have happened. This would have all depended on Marchisio’s form and whether his impact on the team would had been great enough to keep David Moyes his job, which would have been a big ask. If United achieved a Europa League spot two seasons ago, would that have been enough for Moyes to be given another year?
Fan Favourite
A fan favourite amongst Juventus fans, Marchisio is known as Il Principino, the little prince. He has also been dubbed the “De Rossi of Turin”, as AS Roma’s Danielle De Rossi, who is also one of my favourite players, and Marchisio, were both born locally and progressed through their respective clubs youth teams. They were also tipped to become future captains, and have recently worn the armband, as they both have the role of vice-captain.
Marchisio was a key player for Juventus last season, participating in 53 games, scoring three goals and helping them achieve the Serie A and Coppa Italia double. He started in the Champions League Final, but Juve came up short, as they lost 3-1 to Barcelona. Marchisio’s impressive displays in the Champions League were awarded by him being named in the UEFA CL Team of the Season.
I feel that he is often overlooked by football fans, as many would have picked out former teammates Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal as the stand-out midfielders, not forgetting the former Golden Boy winner Paul Pogba. But I believe Marchisio’s role in Juventus’ previous season was just as important as any of the names I previously mentioned.
Italian Football Finances
The vast majority of the best Italian players, apply their trade in Serie A, and aren’t tempted by the money from foreign leagues. In 2014, Gazzetta dello Sports published wage figures of Serie A players, which showed Danielle De Rossi as the league’s top earner, with £100,000 per week. This is only a third of what the Premier League’s highest earner, Wayne Rooney, makes per week.
There haven’t been many Italians to play in the Premier League’s history, but we’ll see our own Matteo Darmian play in his debut season this year. Old Trafford has also seen the likes of Giuseppe Rossi and Federico Macheda come through their academy, but weren’t able to have a future in Manchester.
I believe Marchisio would have been welcomed by all United fans, and would have become a key player, but you have to admire his respect and loyalty to the club that progressed him into becoming a world-class footballer.
Comments.
Loading comments…