Can former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas be Manchester United’s new Paul Scholes?

The British media have been full of rumours as the transfer window’s reopening looms, however one that catches the eye in particular is the future of former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. The Spain international is thought to be a summer transfer target for Premier League champions Manchester United, who are eager to increase their options in the centre of the park.


United are a side in transition due to Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to retire as manager of the club, with rumours that Wayne Rooney could be on his way too.

However, one gap in the Old Trafford club’s squad has been in central midfield over the last number of seasons, with a really dominant player missing to help them back to Champions League glory.

Paul Scholes will retire this summer, an 11-time Premier League winner. Moves for the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Luka Modric have been touted in the press over the last number of seasons, as United look for a deep-lying playmaker to take over from the former England international.

Initially a move for Fabregas seems like a great match. A player who has the ability to get from box-to-box, who could inject the necessary drive, energy and quality to make a real statement that United are not vulnerable, despite their upcoming changes. With former teammate Robin van Persie at the club already also, stranger things have happened.

Cesc Fabregas has not made the impression that he was expected to since moving back to the Camp Nou from Arsenal in a £35 million deal in 2011. The ever-critical Catalan crowd have pinned some criticism on Fabregas’ shoulders this term, while the players versatility has worked against him as he has been played as a false nine for club and country, instead of in the centre of the pitch.

Arsenal, amongst others, would surely be in the market for their former charge should he be available, but United would have the financial muscle to bring him to Old Trafford. The Premier League champions are favourites to sign the Spaniard with bookmakers if he does leave La Liga. Whether Cesc Fabregas is actually available however is another thing.

The old adage of form is temporary, class is permanent applies here, and Fabregas will not be admired or rated as highly anywhere in the world as he is at Barcelona. With stalwarts of the side Xavi and Andres Iniesta ageing and seemingly not at a level that they once were, the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara will be waiting in the wings to be the side’s heart and soul for years to come.

Despite the fact that Barcelona have admitted they will have a reshuffle in the summer, and that Fabregas is an ideal match for United, don’t expect him to don a United shirt next season.

The Catalan side will look to strengthen and although a number of players will come in, central midfielders are not on the shopping list – a goalkeeper, central defender and forward are. Cesc Fabregas’ quality is considerable, and Barcelona will not want to part with him – it makes no sense for them.