4 things David Moyes has to take care of after taking charge of Man United

After 11 years as manager of Everton, David Moyes has become a much respected personality in the English Premier League. However, his trophy collection lacks silverware and scant experience in Europe proves to be a disadvantage for the newly appointed manager of Manchester United. If Moyes has to prove his critics wrong, he better start planning big. Let’s take a look at the key elements which will be crucial for his initial success at Old Trafford.

1. Dealing with Wayne Rooney

One of the most important decisions Moyes has to make to define his fledgling career in Manchester United will be either to keep or sell the enigma that is Wayne Rooney. Wayne Rooney stated his discontent with the club by not willing to play the last home game against Swansea last week. It will be interesting to see what will be the new manager’s decision about the England international who was once a teenage sensation rising up the English footballing ladder. Convincing Rooney to stay on would help Moyes win over the Old Trafford faithful.

2. A big impact in the Summer Transfer window

Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill have already hinted at one big money transfer this summer for United. There lies a lot of skepticism about the return of Ronaldo to Old Trafford. The more likely and financially reasonable transfer options for Moyes would be the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Leighton Baines, Kevin Strootman and possibly Robert Lewandowski. The gaffer can tempt both Baines and Fellaini to join him at United to tend to United’s needs; this might also increase their chances to get a shot at Europe.With the retirement of Paul Scholes and the inconsistent performance of Tom Cleverley, United should really look for reinforcements in the likes of Fellaini. Leighton Baines, on the other hand, has been a long time target for Manchester United and his clinical style of play will certainly add a bit more flair to United’s counter attacking style of football. The midfield crisis can be solved by including the young and talented Kevin Strootman, who will come at a fair price. Rooney’s unstable future might pave a way for the inclusion of Lewandowski in United’s strikeforce. Lewandowski once had a deadly partnership with Kagawa which Moyes might choose to re-ignite. With the trifecta of RVP – Kagawa – Lewandowski, Moyes could construct the best strike force in England.

3. Getting the right combination

The real challenge for the newly appointed manager would be to apply the right strategy in every department, in order to bring the best out of a lethal squad. The groundwork has been already done by SAF, all Moyes has to do now is to fill in the blanks.

Goalkeeper - David De Gea has become the prime candidate for this post after a spectacular season. He has shown signs of growth and maturity by totally overshadowing Lindegaard to cement his own place as the No.1 goalkeeper for United. It is highly that Moyes will do any alterations in this department.

Defence - Patrice Evra, Vidic and Rio Ferdinand - all have limited days at United. They are no longer young and vibrant, and the gaffer might choose to replace them with a younger crop for the majority of next season. Rafael has looked solid at the RB position with real attacking threats. Jones made a tremendous impact after his return to the starting lineup. Jones has all the required elements to become an established defender for both United and England in the upcoming years. At the CB back position, Jonny Evans can join up with either Jones or Smalling. As of now, Evra is still in-charge of the LB position in the team while Buttner will be a long time option. The prospect of Baines joining the team might pave a way for Evra’s exit.

Midfield - Michael Carrick has been a sensation this year as a strong and compulsive CM. However, United still need a star player who can partner Carrick for the upcoming year. Cleverley and Anderson have not done a very good job yet. Darren Fletcher’s health issues and Ryan Giggs’ age should compel Moyes to make a signing in this department. This has been a bad year for the wingers. The primary reason for United’s demoralizing display on the wings lies with Valencia. The No.7 has had his worst year in United. Moyes might choose to give Nani - who has been unfairly left out by SAF for the majority of the season - back his position on the wings. Welbeck has done a good enough job on the left wing whenever he had been given the chance to do so. The gaffer’s expertise will be challenged when it comes to employing Kagawa. The Japanese forward has failed to leave any significant mark in his first season as a United player. Moyes has to find a way to use Kagawa without hindering the dual forward attack synchronized by Rooney/RVP or RVP/Chicharito.

Forwards - Robin Van Persie has been the most valuable performer for Manchester United this season. At the start of the season, he single-handedly won matches for United, especially the 3-2 win over Southampton where he scored a hat-trick. He is United’s top goal scorer and I doubt Moyes will do anything to tinker with that. RVP will continue to be United’s center of attack for the next season. The main talking point would be the employment of Wayne Rooney and Chicharito in the starting line up. Rooney is clearly not at his comfort zone playing a midfield role, hence not contributing to the team enough. Chicharito is highly talented and needs more games under his belt to improve his confidence level. Most likely, Danny Welbeck will be employed on the wings, like last year. The prospect of another striker would surely be a cause of discontent for the present strikers, as United already has 5 top class strikers in their team. If this problem is not solved, history might repeat itself and one more striker will be left to face a situation like Dimitar Berbatov faced.

4. Getting back to winning ways

One thing which is always expected of Manchester United is to “Win”. Sir Alex did it very consistently but will his successor do it as well? In order to gain the support of the players, his staff, the board and most importantly the supporters, Moyes has to start the season with a bang; winning the Community Shield might help. It is important for Moyes to end the next campaign with 1 or 2 silverwares to his name. The competition next year will be very tough, with the prospect of Mourinho joining the Chelsea ranks and Pellegrini joining up with big spenders City. Tottenham and Arsenal are not far behind as AVB and Wenger plan to employ all their resources to challenge the present day big guns of English Premier League. David Moyes faces an uphill battle to retain the Premier League crown and also to make his mark in Europe. Hopefully, he will do a good enough job.