by Jonathan Greengrass

Created on: July 23, 2011

In the red half of Manchester, the talk of the summer has been how to replace Paul Scholes. Applauded by Zidane and Xavi as the best midfielder of his generation, the Englishman sadly didn't receive similar plaudits back home but retires with a bucketful of Premiership winners medals, a fistful of FA cup medals and two Champions League winners medals. His effect on football could be seen by the number of Barcelona players, sensing that it might be the last time they saw the ginger assassin on the field, who clamoured for his shirt at the end of the Champions League final last May. This team, who are considered by many as the greatest club side ever, respected Scholes above all others. Thus the size of the task awaiting Sir Alex Ferguson in replacing this man is great indeed. There have inevitably been many names linked to the club as his successor with Samir Nasri, Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder seeming to be Ferguson's preferred options. But with Arsenal seemingly unwilling to sell Nasri and Modric fixed on moving to Chelsea, Sneijder seems to be the sole legitimate chance United have of replacing Scholes in the current transfer window.

There are a number of reasons Sneijder may find a move to United attractive, foremost the opportunity to play in a league more suited to his playing style. Sneijder is the type of player who thrives on having the ball brought to his feet quickly so that he can dictate the flow of the game. This does not occur so readily in the Italian game where teams are more patient and defensive minded, and build up play moves slower. The Premiership on the other hand more closely resembles the Dutch league where Sneijder initially plied his trade. Sneijder's national team coach, Bert van Marwijk, said as much when asked about the potential of Sneijder moving away from Inter Milan.

Another benefit for Sneijder would be that he would have relatively little competition for the creative central midfielder role. United's current group are mainly midfield enforcers, or players who use the ball very carefully such as Michael Carrick. Darren Gibson, who was seen as Scholes' replacement a few years ago, seems to no longer be in the manager's long term plans. Gibson almost left the club for Sunderland a few weeks ago before the sides failed to agree personal terms. Thus Sneijder would be the first name on the team sheet as far as the midfield goes.

The opportunity the play for Sir Alex Ferguson may also be a lure for the Dutchman. The

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