This Manchester United has been labelled by Sir Alex as one of his greatest sides. Many fans don’t agree, that this current side doesn’t come close to the Class of ’99, whilst others will insist that they are no-one to argue with Sir Alex Ferguson.
In between the sticks, the Red Devils are well sorted. David De Gea, future star, has already established himself as Manchester United‘s first choice goalkeeper, and up there in the top 2-3 all round best keepers in the Premier League, and undoubtedly the best shot-stopper in the league. Anders Lindegaard came under criticism last season, and with Ben Amos and Sam Johnstone impressing in the youth ranks, it should not be long before they are involved within the senior squad.
In front, sit the experienced duo of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand who could arguably go down as United’s greatest partnership at the back. As they are ageing, United have to look no further for future talent in the form of Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who can play in the heart of the defence. With Ezequiel Garay rumoured to be arriving at Old Trafford, his name could be one on the team sheet come August. Full-backs include the versatile Patrice Evra and Rafael. The latter being only 22, has already cemented a first team spot in his best season in a red shirt so far. Evra, in his best goal-scoring season for United, has been first choice for many years, and as Alex Buttner and a returning Fabio will challenge for the spot next season, the defence is positioned well and competitive.
Up front, in terms of depth, the quartet of Sheringham, Yorke, Cole and Solskjaer are bettered. Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck have adapted to other roles this season, but make up a scary attack that also includes Robin Van Persie and Javier Hernandez, who have been known to be the most prolific duo from the club in recent times, notching up in double figures with ease in previous seasons.
If there’s an area for concern, it is the midfield that the majority of fans would like to see some world-class additions to. The wingers have certainly not been up to scratch this season. Antonio Valencia has disappointed greatly, having not shown any signs of the exceptional form he showed last season, and has been ineffective on the right when it has come to delivering crosses, providing assists and taking on his man this season. Luis Nani, has statistically been United’s ‘best’ winger this season. But a hamstring injury that kept him out for two months early on in a season that he has showed only glimpses of his play has not helped him greatly. Perhaps proper fitness regime and a physiotherapy including treatments similar to cupping therapy in jacksonville fl, or wherever he would have wanted to could prove useful in this regard.
In this light, speculation surrounding his future in the summer could suggest that he might leave Old Trafford in the summer, as new manager David Moyes may decide to cash in on the Portuguese winger, whose contract expires in the summer of 2014. Ashley Young has also had an unsuccessful season, having not shown any of the signs that suggested that he was one of the best English wingers around when he joined Manchester United. Numerous lay-offs have again stopped him from showing his true self, and questions have been asked about whether he will be given the chance to showcase his talent, which at the moment have only been limited to glimpses of it.
The central midfield is the biggest concern of Manchester United’s. There’s no doubt that under Sir Alex Ferguson that United have had central midfielders that would ease into an all time XI of the clubs. Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and even Ryan Giggs has played out the majority of his days this season in the middle. Michael Carrick is a name that is always on that first team sheet, and this season, he has been instrumental for United. The area of concern has been the missing name that should be playing alongside him for the bigger games.
Tom Cleverley is another name to pull through the United ranks successfully, and is a regular for England these days. But as a name that on paper would not offer anything beyond good, and United can attract more. Nick Powell is enjoying his development in his debut season at United, whilst Ryan Giggs has often been deployed in the middle of the park, but if there’s ever anything called as having too much experience in the heart of the midfield, that is definitely it. Wayne Rooney has dropped back often in the 12/13 campaign, and has recently enjoyed playing in an unfamiliar role alongside Michael Carrick. Issues surrounding his future could suggest that he may be out, with the factor being that he was not used effectively up front, though earlier in the season admitting that a midfield role would be a role that he would consider in his latter years. Shinji Kagawa’s arrival last summer proved an exciting time for fans, and the coming season may provide alot more, as the player himself expects. Anderson has once again endured a frustrating season at United, with injuries getting in the way as soon as he plays well, in a season that only glimpses of his true potential has been shown. Surely questions have to be asked about his future once again, and this summer just may well be his last one in an United shirt as Moyes will mean business.
Getting in a world-class central midfielder that could offer versatility, as well as being able to play holding would well put Manchester United in with a chance to complete a Treble next season. With a big name being linked in the form of Thiago Alcantara in recent weeks, much speculation has suggested that the Spaniard, and man of the tournament at Israel in the U21 European Championships, is close to a move to Old Trafford, and could be unveiled as early as Friday in Moyes’ first press conference as the new manager, as the club prepares for the start of a new era.
With the younger players being a year older and hungrier for more trophies with some glorious signings in sight, there is no stopping United in coming years.
This piece was written by Abdullah, follow him on twitter @Ab_Utd
Related Articles
David Moyes: The journey so far
