With Frank Lampard seemingly on his way out of Stamford Bridge, the attacking midfielder, at the age of 34 would be forgiven for thinking this may be the start of the end of his long, illustrious career. However, with the Premier League legend being linked recently with Manchester United, would it be a smart move?
Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly offered the midifelder last January, but turned down the deal due to Paul Scholes coming out of retirement. With the Manchester United legend rumoured to be hanging up his boots for good at the end of this season, this leaves a massive hole in the Manchester United midfield.
Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick appear to be Ferguson's main central midfield duo, but what the two Englishman lack is goals. The same can be said about Anderson, Darren Fletcher and Shinji Kagawa [albeit the Japanese international has just returned from injury.]
Frank Lampard has 192 goals for Chelsea Football Club and is the second highest scorer for the London club. The 34 year old is the highest scoring midfielder in Premier League history, and even in mainly cameo appearances this season, he has 7 goals in all competitions. Frank Lampard would bring in a huge goal threat from the heart of Manchester United's midfield, something they've lacked for some seasons now.
With Darren Fletcher and Shinji Kagawa both just returning from injury and illness respectively, whilstAnderson is once again on the treatment table, Frank Lampard has had a fairly injury-free career, despite the first half of 2012. Manchester United have a squad full of world-class talent, but no-one could argue against the fact their midfield could do with some revamping.
Frank Lampard may not be the long-term solution, but to sign up the 34 year old on a free would be an astute bit of business. Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are still playing for Manchester United, with the latter approaching his 40th birthday this November. Frank Lampard has proven this season he still has the ability, passion and hunger to continue to compete at the highest level, and Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt keep an eye on Lampard's situation this January.
Ray Wilkins, former Chelsea assistant manager said: “You have the master of utilising the older player in Sir Alex Ferguson, so I think it would be a tremendous move for Frank and a good one for Manchester United as well - he'll win them over because of his footballing ability, for sure.”
For both parties involved, a deal taking Frank Lampard to Manchester United seems worthy, and it will give Frank Lampard the opportunity to further cement his legacy as a Premier League legend.
Source: DSG
