It’s been quite a summer at Manchester United…
There have been more comings and goings than a Thai massage parlour. Word has it that a revolving door has been installed at Old Trafford because they prevent draughts (via acting as an airlock), thus preventing increases in the heating or cooling required for the building.
But enough about that – let’s have a look at what lies ahead for the Red Devils for the coming season…
The Manager
It’s often suggested that foreign players require at least a season to properly acclimatise to English football. Such patience is rarely afforded to imported managers, but it’s perhaps equally pertinent. Even a manager as experienced as Louis van Gaal needs to get his head around the oddities of Premier League football.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman was all over the place last season, both in terms of tactics and selection. So much so that some fans believe that key injuries at certain times forced Van Gaal into changes that helped the club achieve their top four finish. This year the veteran manager won’t have the excuse of induction.
Things should be far more straightforward this time round, with 4-3-3 publicly confirmed as the preferred template. Theoretically it should suit the playing staff – assuming there’s a level of consistency to help the still embryonic collective to gel.
You would assume some combination of Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and Carrick serving as the midfield platform; Mata or Herrera ahead of them; Rooney flanked by the speed of Depay and possibly Pedro; with Darmian and Shaw providing width. Just don’t mention the centre-halves or wantaway keeper.
Outgoings
You’ll find few complaints amongst the Old Trafford faithful regarding the departures of Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao [and obviously Nani, who Noz forgot to include – ed.]. Rafael is the sad anomaly. The loss of Angel Di Maria has the supporters torn – on the one hand they’re losing a supreme talent, on the other they are rid of an unhappy mardarse.
The general consensus is that Van Gaal has done a pretty good job of clearing out the deadwood, but he seems to have escaped criticism for the swift in and outs of Falcao and Di Maria. They were either embarrassing (and expensive) mistakes, or the manager couldn’t get the best out of quality players.
Incomings
In terms of new signings, it feels like three-quarters of a great job. In other words, mission not fully accomplished. The Schmidfield additions add real quality and depth to the core of the side, whereas Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian bring thrills and calm respectively.
But the back end of the side is in some disarray. The fact that a combination of Van Gaal and Ed Woodward haven’t signed a centre-back – and that Daley Blind is suddenly first choice in that position – is damning. Similarly, a late sale of David de Gea to Real Madrid with only cash monies in return would be something of a failure.
Strengths
In an upside down way, a number of United’s greatest weaknesses last year are now looking especially strong. A fit and confident Luke Shaw on one flank and the quietly excellent Darmian on the other should give the side tremendous security and drive on the wings. It’s a far cry from valiant square pegs Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia.
Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger are wonderful additions to the side. At once they give United’s midfield a new sense of urgency, command and drive. Again, if the club can secure the signing of Pedro, he and Depay will add a vital directness and pace that the the turgid play was crying out for last season.
Weaknesses
One of the richest football clubs in the world could start their 2015/16 campaign with a goalkeeper unaccustomed to his new surroundings, and a rabble of defenders that are collectively lacking in consistency, brain cells and structural integrity. All with the foreboding new challenge of Champions League football.
Imagine if you will a combination of say Jasper Cillessen, Daley Blind and Phil Jones tasked with stopping Barcelona’s famed MSN attack, or Real’s forward line. It would be x-rated stuff. And what happens if Wayne Rooney suffers a serious injury in September? Are James Wilson and/or Javier Hernandez able and ready to spearhead the club in his absence? These are serious question marks.
Captain
Wayne Rooney: Centre-forward. It’s been a long time since the 29-year-old’s role has been quite so unambiguous. On paper this should be the skipper’s time to shine. He will be unencumbered with working the channels, supplementing the midfield engine or acting as a deep-lying pseudo-Scholes.
History shows us that in his preferred number nine position, Rooney scores goals on a regular basis. United will need him to be prolific because the side isn’t crammed with natural goalscorers. You’d assume that Croxteth’s finest would relish the pressure/responsibility. As the lopsided squad currently stands, he’ll bloody have to.
Prediction
2nd. All things being equal, this side should do very very well. But is it the best in the league? Not unless at least two established stars are added to both defence and attack.
