Robson: Balance Must Be Right

United legend Bryan Robson thinks there has been something of an obsession with the club signing a dominant midfield player in recent years.

The former England and Reds captain was an all-action inspiration in the middle of the park during his playing days and the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Ince and Paul Scholes have also been hugely influential figures in the position.

The Reds have been linked with a number of central midfielders following the appointment of David Moyes as manager after Sir Alex Ferguson's final few seasons in charge featured regular debate around incoming transfers in this area.

However, Robson believes the balance of the team may be more important than focusing on any one individual to pull the strings.

"I know with the Manchester United fans, they are used to having a really dominant central midfield player," he told ManUtd.com at the launch of the partnership with Aeroflot. "Like Keaney, Incey, myself and then Scholesy.

"But I think what the fans have got to look at is: Is the balance of the squad pretty good anyway without having that type of player in? You've got to say 'yes' as we won the title by 11 points.

"Now, of course you always want to improve but you've got to look at the balance of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick, Ando [Anderson] and the rest. They are still very, very good players but you've got to look at the balance and is that right, rather than go out and try to get an individual who you must rely on all the time.

"So my message to Manchester United fans is don't be too influenced by this talk that we need this midfield player because I think the boys can cope."

Robson helped announce the new deal with Aeroflot at Old Trafford alongside Andy Cole with the first-team squad and manager Moyes also in attendance.

"I think you've got to ask David Moyes what he thinks about where the squad maybe needs tweaking," he added during a press conference. "One thing he's done great, so far, for United fans is no-one has gone out of the door.

"If you look at the squad we've got at this moment in time, it's a healthy squad with a great chance of retaining the championship next year."