As Vincent Kompany propels his Manchester City side to Derby day glory, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s frustration leads him squabbling with Roberto Mancini on the touchline, you got the feeling the end, the inevitable end, is close.
Some will say Ferguson bottled it; I’m of a different viewing. With the strength of City’s squad, it was obvious United couldn’t win the game on paper. The aim was to frustrate, eliminate the options, and spring a counter-attack – a feasible approach; the gung-ho method led City trouncing United 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season, and a repeat of that famous score line would have sent United back to the dark ages. Although I’ll defend Ferguson for his approach on the night, the inclusion of Ji-Sung Park over the more direct, but still energetic Antonio Valencia is one that still confuses me a week later.
Now a week later, and with both Manchester clubs approaching the most important week of the season, many are quick to jump on the Blue moon bandwagon, and to deliever the final knock-out blow to Ferguson’s faltering fledglings. It’s fair to say City have this wrapped up – I wrote an article on LifesaPitch titled ‘Nothing is won in March’ days before United travelled to Terry Connor’s wounded Wolves. United won with convincing ease, but the article’s purpose still stands. An eight point lead turned into an eight goal deficit – an embarrassment; self-inflicted wounds coinciding with a resurgent Manchester City leading to everyone involved with Manchester United relying on QPR, a team that let Fernando Torres score a hat-trick.
With Ferguson in his 70’s, and with his finest creations in Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs now offering very little on a consistent basis, I think it would be fitting if they went together, but only when the replacements are ready-made. Ferguson still has plenty to offer, and a side currently in transition still needs the final few pieces to the jigsaw, and Ferguson is the man to find the missing pieces. Paul Scholes has impressed since his return, but I’m unconvinced his impact can be as impactful as last time around, and for a longer period of time. Ryan Giggs, a player renowned for consistent performances, has had a disappointing year. Although producing at the time of need – a last-gasp winner at Norwich, a cross to Javier Hernandez to complete the impossible at Stamford Bridge, and a fine finish at Benfica to avoid defeat were moments of magic, but for someone United rely heavily upon the big games, it just isn’t good enough.
Ferguson himself as said “possibly 3” will join in the summer, and one of them for sure is Nathaniel Clyne, the young English right-back currently at Crystal Palace. Although Nathaniel is a talent, I think we need to buy players who are good now, especially in the right-back area when we are full of promising defenders.
I’ve asked the question, on twitter, “Who would you buy/sell this summer?” and god I fear for some of you this summer. If there’s going to be 3, and one of them being a right-back on the cheap, you’d think United will splash on the other two. Sadly, it won’t happen. Forget about Hazard, he wants 200k a week, we can’t offer him that. Kagawa quotes have been deemed false, but that’s not to say the link has some validity. A common misconception seems to Kagawa will be nothing but a shirt-seller, he’s anything but. A player United craves – vision, the ability to pick a pass, and best of all it won’t cost £40 million. Perfect.
I find the midfield options fairly ‘samey’ for United. The reliance on Scholes is frightening, the development of Cleverley has halted through brand meetings and injuries, but for me he lacks an identity – although his website says otherwise. Carrick is a passing carrousel, but needs someone alongside him to make a tackle, break up the play and let the creative players create – and don’t forget Michael Carrick is no spring chicken anymore. I’d love to think someone like Javi Martinez, who can also fill-in at centre back, would join, but I’m sceptical on whether we can match the investment required.
My three would be Clyne, Kagawa and possibly Baines/Gaitan – even I don’t know, this is Fergie’s most important summer, it’s now or never, because Sir Alex Ferguson can’t last forever.
As well as possible incomings, others need to depart. Ji-Sung Park is now surplus to requirements; despite his enthusiasm and energy, he lacks in the technical areas of the game, and at 31 his best days are behind him. Dimitar Berbatov is a great player, but his laxidasical style doesn’t suit United’s free-flowing, attacking style of play. Michael Owen, who is more bothered about the 4:55 at Folkestone, seems to lack any commitment to the cause – his injuries certainly haven’t helped. Other than them three the squad should stay mostly intact, but if an offer comes in for Anderson, Patrice Evra and perhaps even Rio Ferdinand then take it – knocking down the wage bill must be a prerogative, because we need every pound possible to compete.
In conclusion, don’t be surprised if City put 6 past QPR and Manchester United are linked with every player from Dover to Delhi. The changing of the guard has happened in Manchester with now City leading supreme, but there has to be a changing of the guard at United – but only when Ferguson, Giggs and Scholes thinks it’s time to go.
