Radja Nainggolan is the right replacement for Man Utd's Carrick

Renzo Rigano
28 set 2017

In an important game last season Roma faced AC Milan. Not yet the rejuvenated squad that has had over 200m euros of investment, the squad was hardly at its best. A long ball sent from Kostas Manolas in defence picked out a marauding Nainggolan, who with the deftest of moves controlled the ball with a sublime first touch. The Belgain immediately turned to face goal, and ran right into the heart of AC Milan defence. To their credit the Rossoneri did their best to hold him off only to see their efforts result in nothing more than a goal as he unleashed a ferocious left-footed shot.

Curling past the out-stretched arm of goal keeping prodigy Donnarumma, Nianggolan rippled the back of the net to the jubilant of Roma fans the world over. This is just one of many examples of what the Belgian international could bring to Manchester United’ s midfield to replace the ever green Michael Carrick. An astute professional and regarded as one of England’s most under rated stars, Carrick has carved a carrier as strong defensive midfielder, who still possess an eye for both a goal and pass.

If he hadn’t emerged in an era featuring Lampard, Gerard and Beckham among others, many feel Carrick would have earned more caps for England than he did in the peak years of his career. Currently United’s elder statesmen Carrick is not getting any younger, yet still helps United’s midfield run like a well-oiled machine, dictating play in a similar manner to a certain Andrea Pirlo.

Carrick will inevitably have say good bye to the game, his contract expiring next year and his style of play is hard to replace even in the modern game. Eyed off by a number of Europe’s bigger clubs, Nainggolan can play in multiple areas across the midfield, sometimes threatening defences with his presence, but he is most effective as a defensive midfielder and the lynchpin of the team. Blessed with pace, and a ridiculous engine Nainggolan is everything Manchester United want and need in the Preimer League's fast paced, and intense games.

Strong in a tackle, and able to hold up play, The Ninja is able to both break up play, distribute the ball and marshal his midfield. Additionally he is also able to conjure attacks, set up goals, and most importantly and as mentioned above can ripple the back of the net at will. Under Spalletti last season Nainggolan was pushed further afield yet he managed to cover the length of the pitch in order to drop into a deep lying position, which has been noted as key aspect of Roma’s play last season.

Nianggolan would bring plenty of big game experience to the former Premier League champions and would remind many of the fans of a combination of Carrick and his predecessor Paul Scholes, an equally effective deep lying midfielder who also had the uncanny ability to score some brilliant and important crucial goals.

His intensity and ability to cover almost the entire pitch in an indefatigable fashion will also earn him the support and love of the crowd. The now 30 year old has proved loyal to the Capital club but maybe tempted into a move if Roma once again fail to lift any form of silver wear this season.

It will take a considerable bid, and the crumbling of Roma’s will but if the price and opportunity to win silver wear is there, Serie A may lose yet another superstar.

@Renz_R1