Why have Manchester United bought Morgan Schneiderlin?

There have been glaring gaps in Manchester United’s midfield resources for a few seasons. Last summer’s addition of Daley Blind and Ander Herrera bolstered Louis van Gaal’s options but neither of these players can dominate a contest. This is what the club continue to require and this is what fascinates about the acquisition of Schneiderlin. Lynchpin, maestro, gun midfielder: whatever the sobriquet, can the Frenchman really grab a high-end Premier League match or thrive in the crucible of the Champions League? Bastian Schweinsteiger’s purchase means the club have a been-there-done-that-won-the-World Cup elite schemer but the German is more in the Michael Carrick mould. Perhaps Schneiderlin has not been bought for this lead role. If not then he may simply be an upgrade on Blind or a younger Carrick. It would follow, then, that Van Gaal continues the quest for a central operator who can be the man. This is now Schneiderlin’s moment to prove he can be. Jamie Jackson

What can United expect from Schneiderlin?

Ronald Koeman was asked exactly that as he conducted his pre-Austria training camp press duties at Staplewood.

“Everybody knows the qualities of the player and, if they are looking at the position where he plays with us, then that’s the best for him,” Southampton’s manager said. “He is still a young player, an international player already, and he can develop himself even more than he did over the last few years at Southampton.”

That was a brutally honest response. Schneiderlin developed his game at St Mary’s since his arrival there from Strasbourg as a teenager, progressing with the team from League One, through the Championship and into the upper reaches of the top flight. He is an imposing figure, a player who recorded more tackles last season than Blind, Herrera or the injury-blighted Carrick, and is classy in possession. He sets the rhythm and was the fulcrum of Southampton’s side, the oil in their engine room, and his significance was reflected in Koeman’s desire to retain him last season when players such as Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers left. Dominic Fifield

Is he worth the money?

He is certainly worth the £24m fee to Southampton, who have grown used to seeing their stellar performers pilfered, albeit generally at a premium. He was deemed central last season to a team that flourished. Koeman effectively built his whole lineup around him, his significance to the collective perhaps best exposed in the home defeat by Manchester City in November. The hosts were excellent up to the interval, stretching the then champions, but wilted after the break when Schneiderlin was substituted after suffering a thigh injury.

Although the France international’s importance to Southampton was clear, it remains to be seen whether he can command such a similarly pivotal role at Old Trafford. Schneiderlin will enter a dressing room crammed with elite performers, and will have to displace Carrick – if the Englishman is fit – from the starting lineup to play regularly in the buildup to Euro 2016. This is a different environment, and one to which he will have to adjust if his game is to continue progressing and United are to feel they have paid an appropriate price. DF

So what does this mean for Michael Carrick?



Towards the end of last season Van Gaal hinted that this season could be Carrick’s last, with the player turning 34 on 28 July. When healthy, Carrick should remain first choice yet injuries have plagued him and Schweinsteiger’s arrival could threaten his place. Schneiderlin could, however, prove a boon for Carrick if Van Gaal asks the France international to operate as the dynamic box-to-box player he can be, rather than playing as the holding midfielder he was at Southampton. For all of Carrick’s metronomic play and precision passing, his style can slow United down. So it will be intriguing to see if Schneiderlin allows United to move the ball forward faster. Last year, Van Gaal’s side were continually criticised for their pedestrian pace. JJ

Michael Carrick will be 34 by the time the season starts and this is likely to be his final campaign at Old Trafford. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Could Schneiderlin be key to United winning the Premier League?

The reflex answer is no, yet Schneiderlin could be the X-factor in Manchester United’s quest for a 21st title. To put it another way: it is difficult to claim the title without a central midfielder who stars all season. So if Schneiderlin is a first choice but is mediocre, the club faces disappointment. He is unproven at elite level so there would be some surprise if he swept United to championship glory. But Van Gaal is a shrewd judge of ability and the Dutchman will believe that the Frenchman can rise to the challenge. JJ

Where else do United still need to strengthen?

The manager will require a goalkeeper should David de Gea depart for Real Madrid. This depends, according to the club stance, on whether Sergio Ramos is allowed to move the other way. If the defender does then it will at least fill one situation vacant at the back. Matteo Darmian’s arrival from Torino filled the other requirement at right-back, so the manager’s recruitment plans are now focused on midfield and attack.

Robin van Persie will join Fenerbahce so Van Gaal requires a top-class striker to replace him. Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani is of interest. The manager may even need two as Wayne Rooney is the only proven goalscorer at the club. If Van Gaal can pull all of this business off he will be confident of making United serious challengers. He will also have little excuse for failure. JJ