Manchester United seem to be enjoying a perfect transfer
window, with the club making the capture of four important players to fill into
key positions where the team struggled last season. Though it remains to be
seen if these signings would fit in perfectly and make the United team
challenge for the title in the coming season.
Last season was Van Gaal’s first in England and the Dutchman
attained United’s minimum goal of a top four finish – even though the team at
times lacked stability that had always been the hallmark of the Old
Trafford giant.
On the attacking front, the team struggled for goals, as
Radamel Falcao and Van Persie struggled for form for majority of the season,
and with Wayne Rooney always switching position between attack
and the
midfield, it meant United had no potent striker for the major part of last
season. While majority of United’s firepower came from
the wings and midfield - thanks to Ashley Young, Juan Mata, Herrera and Di
Maria, though many expected a lot more from the Argentine.
With the departure of Van Persie and refusal to sign Falcao
on a permanent deal, United have lost two men going forward. This coupled with
the signing of Schneiderlin and schweinsteiger means Rooney would move
permanently into his favourite striking and central role, which promises to bring
out the best of him. With Van Gaal rumoured to favour a switch to his favourite 4 -3 -3
formation, United may not have much issues getting the goals. But an injury or
dip in form to Rooney means United may again struggle going forward. But with
Depay capable of playing as a central striker - though not yet fully proven and
the availability of Javier Hernandez, and Wilson, United looked covered in the central
striking position. Though to the delight of United fans, Van Gaal has hinted
that a deal for a new striker is in the pipeline.
The signing of Schneiderlin and schweinsteiger may have solved
all the problems United have been facing since the retirement of Paul Scholes. Last
season United depended solely on Michael Carrick as the holding midfielder. United
were undone as the Englishman was injured on a number of occasions last season
and in his absence United always suffer a dip in form. Blind, Herrera and
Fellaini could not fill the position perfectly, and this made Rooney drop deep
to help. But all that may be over with the presence of two perfect substitutes
for Carrick in that position.
Defensively was where United lacked steel, quality and
character last season. Not because of injury or formation issues, it was simply
because of the lack of a top quality central defender.
Since the departure of Ferdinand and Vidic, united have
failed to buy a defender that can replace these legends. Jones, Smalling, and
Evans have all failed to evolve into the solid rock a team like United should
have in its defence. Mc Nair and Blackett both look promising, but for now can’t
fill such a large hole in the nucleus of a delicate place like the defence for
a team like United.
Last season was Rojo’s first at United and he performed
above average, so this season he’s expected to improve on his performances.
But with United competing in Europe this season, and an
expected push for the Premier League title, the lack of a key figure and leader
in the United’s defence may hurt the team’s ambition.
Not signing a top central back was a pardonable mistake for
Van Gaal in his debut season, but in this coming season, it may turn out to be
an Achilles for his team.
Title winning squads are known for their doggedness, power
and strength defensively. United once
had a Vidic – Ferdinand that conquered England and Europe, Chelsea last season
had the Terry – Cahill combination, Man City have got Kompany who can partner
and of the city central backs to form a formidable partnership, for now United’s
best defensive central pair seems only known to Van Gaal, and he must show the
world next season.
Who do you think United should sign to solve its defensive crises?
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