The signing of Japanese poster-boy Shinji Kagawa has kick-started Sir Alex Ferguson’s summer spending, although more mercurial, marquee targets have fallen victim to the Glazer wage structure and the consequential talks have well and truly broken down.

It seems quite disheartening that the fabric of such a prestigious club in Manchester United has such little effect on the modern generation of football players. A raw, potentially filled developing talent could hone their skills under the guidance of Sir Alex, and more poignantly so in his last few years of management. Such opportunity is passed for a quick buck – and, with the lack of quality in the United midfield, first team possibilities are now more rewarding than an away Carling Cup trip to Aldershot, or any other side of their distinction.

Kagawa, on the other hand, seems delighted with his move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, a club he describes as “massive”. Ferguson is also “delighted he has chosen to come to United,” especially after attempts to lure the likes of Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, David Villa and Wesley Sneijder to Old Trafford have fallen flat-footed over the last few seasons.

The common denominator from all of these failed signings is that their wages, particularly Sneijder’s, are too excessive. Fees on the other hand seek no such problem – Hazard, for example, was a reported fee of 30 million pounds. Based on that figure it’s feasible that when the right player comes along then it will be re-spent, and that’s a question of this summer or the next – certain players need replacing.

The squad, despite a flurry of injuries, is in good health. Ferguson’s managerial ability to keep a severely weakened squad literally seconds away from a 20th league title should be applauded. However, if success on the European stage is of a high priority, an embarrassing group stage exit can’t be repeated. The financial implications, as well as the taint of pride are self-inflicted wounds – even if it bears no reflection on Premier League standings.

To spend such amount requires a player of world-class ability, and not someone who is second-string to the likes of Michael Carrick and Tom ‘TC23’ Cleverley. Although other areas need addressing in the long-run, it’s the central midfield position that is of most importance this time around. A midfielder that can create chances, have the passing carousel that can hurt opponents and, when United are at full fluidity, pick out the pass rather than just envisioning it. Or a midfielder that can let the creative players play freely, win the ball and increase the defensive stability, is a choice Ferguson has to make – what does United need?

Based on media reports it seems likely that Luka Modric, an attacking midfielder, is the primary target. Although seemingly on his way to Real Madrid, whether he be joining the first team or the bench, Modric would certainly tick all the boxes; but also with Spurs’ wage limitations Luka Modric could earn more at either Madrid or United – however, it doesn’t take a genius to work out who would offer the most lucrative deal.

Javi Martinez, the defensive midfielder turned centre-back under Marcelo Bielsa’s Bilbao is also a target, but nothing more. German giants and Champions League finalists Bayern Munich seem in pole position for the Spaniard’s signature. A setback of many over the last few seasons for Ferguson, although it hasn’t hindered results.

The mentality seems to be leaning towards producing players, rather than buying a readymade ‘star’ – Nick Powell, the England u-19 international, is this year’s example. Looking at last summer it was clear that Manchester United still had money to spend – collectively spending 52.9m pounds last season on players, the most since 07/08, shows the spending power is still there within reason.

The cries to spend this money, in particularly this lingering 30m quid, seem unjustified. Spending 30m pounds on Cheik Tiote, or 20m pounds on Leighton Baines is bad business. Arsene Wenger, who is in a similar disposition, said back in August “I will pay 30 million, I will even pay 40m if I find the right player, it is not a question of money, it is a question of quality.” Lukas Podolski, Oliver Giroud and possibly Yann M’Vila have followed. The same scenario applies with United. You have to find a player of a certain ilk, a player that does fit within the United mould – and, sadly, they’re a rare breed in the modern-day footballing climate.

No need to panic United fans – this summer will be David Gillicious.

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