Manchester United need a top class defensive midfielder more than ever now.

Darren Fletcher is out indefinitely with a ulcerative colitis. He has struggled with his health for a while, and this has been revealed as having been the aforementioned colitis.

When healthy, he is a dynamic, defensive midfielder. He is a decent passer of the ball, not great, but good enough to keep things fluid and rhythmic; but mainly, he is a fantastic ‘hassler.’ He could motor around the field all day long, chasing after and hassling opposing attackers and breaking up their rhythm and intercept attacks. When Man U was in possession, he could break forward to provide support in the attack.

Right now, Carrick is the only defensive minded central midfielder they have. Anderson is rarely fit and was always better suited as an attacking midfielder.

If they want to purchase a defensive midfielder with strong vision and the ability to pick out a great pass, that’s great. But right now, their priority isn’t a ‘passer’ but a ‘destroyer.’ Especially with the team’s captain and best central defender, Nemanja Vidic, out for the season, the team desperately needs someone in midfield who can provide cover for young defenders like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling (and older, slowing ones like Rio Ferdinand). And this person needs to be ready to lead now. Not a player for the future, but a player for the first game in January.

Daniele De Rossi, Lassana Diarra, Sami Khedira, Yann M’vila… whoever. Just get him.