As Sir Alex Ferguson’s latest team comes together to steam-roll to the top of the league on the back of a red-hot Robin Van Persie and a re-invented, though penalty-shy Wayne Rooney, all eyes are on the weakest link.
Suddenly Johny Evans and Rio Ferdinand look rock solid.
Rafael seems to be world-class in a Dani Alves mould.
Nani seems to be working his way to the exit door.
On evidence of his performance against Arsenal yesterday then, one would have to say Michael Carrick.
Carrick repeatedly tried to spread the ball diagonally wide, a la Scholes, and failed. Badly.
Yes his strength lies in his ability to break-down play.
But his tendency to give away the ball cheaply in his own half and his fondness for the square pass makes him a square peg in the round hole that is the midfield holding role.
Perhaps Sir Alex almost uses him as a fifth defender, one able to bring the ball out.
Either way, in the closing minutes of a game you want your holding midfielder to take control and make sure a goal is not conceded. Like against Arsenal yesterday.
However, what Manchester United really need is a Xabi Alonso type of player – one who can play the diagonal, break-up play and hold the ball.
This is another reason Manchester United are targeting German midfield star Lars Bender.
Arsenal’s new-found German fixation means they are in the mix as well.
The Sun quoted Bayer Leverkusen director Wolfgang Holzhauser as saying: “We won’t sell anyone.”
But the fact is, both clubs are planning moves for the £20million-rated midfielder.
Without a doubt, United need cover for Carrick. Bender may be it.