Multiple news outlets have reported that Manchester United will try and sign Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil in January on a free transfer, as the German playmaker’s contract with the London club is set to expire at season’s end.
Although the summer transfer window slammed shut just over a month ago, the rumors never cease to circulate. 90% of the transfer rumors are nothing more than that — rumors. And for United’s sake, let’s hope this one falls under that category.
Now I’m not saying Ozil is a bad player. On his day there are few players in the world who can provide the quality of passes and vision that he possesses. There is just one issue — it seems like those performances are more few and far between.
Since his move from Real Madrid to the Emirates, Ozil has taken on his fair share of criticism. He can destroy bottom-half teams with ease, and is great at finding ways to disappear in the biggest of matches when his team needs him most.
The 28-year old has been rightfully criticized for a lack of work rate and enthusiasm over the last 18 months at the Emirates. At times it seems like Arsenal are playing with 10 men, as Ozil is nearly useless when it comes to defending or showing any physicality.
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Ozil has seemingly stalled contract talks with Arsenal as he demands more than £300,000. And according to the star, United would be willing to offer him that to sign him for free at the start of next season, per the Daily Mail.
So my question is why, why would Jose Mourinho want a player like Ozil at Manchester United?
Sure, the two had a bond at Real Madrid when Mourinho was his manager. But that was nearly seven years ago.
Manchester United’s attack is looking as lethal as it has in years. We have multiple players who can play at the No. 10 — where Ozil traditionally lines up.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, and even Marcus Rashford are all capable of slotting in at the No. 10 — and all would work harder on defense than Ozil.
Former United great Gary Neville certainly isn’t a fan of the German international, having this to say back in April.
“With Mesut Ozil I can’t be watching him play football sometimes and that sounds disrespectful from someone who was a clobber as a football player.”
"“But when you watch Messi and Ronaldo who give their all in every single match I won’t sit here and accept that someone plays football looking like he’s down a coal mine.”"
So for the sake of all the Old Trafford faithful — let’s hope that this is nothing more than the outcome of a lack of news during the international break. Ozil is a talented player.
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However, his age, lack of consistency, work rate, and outrageous wage demands make this a bad idea for United if the rumors are to be trusted. United have depth at the attacking midfield position. We have players who are younger and have higher ceilings than Ozil, who are willing to leave it all on the pitch — and surely that alone would steer the Red Devils away from this deal.