Is he RVP (really very precious)?

Van the man or just another sham?

8th April 2012.

Six weeks left, there’s not much left to row. Manchester United go eight points ahead, the title is theirs for sure, for Manchester City has just been mowed.

13 th May 2012.

The roller-coaster title race had come to a halt. The dream had been shattered. Elation had given way to a feeling of vacuum. The truth was finally sinking in. Puffed up chests had been deflated, the high rise shoulders had drooped, For Manchester City had performed the ultimate coup. The noisy neighbours had creeped in silently and seduced Sir Alex’s long time girlfriend. And alas she had followed suit, clearly impressed by City’s relentless pursuit. It’s not that she hadn’t had flings before, for in the past she had been swept away by Chelsea‘s allure and Arsenal‘s grandeur. But this time it was different. It was hard to take, for the transgressions had come from closer back home. He simply could not allow her to go. She had to return. He had to woo her back, otherwise City could permanently make her adorn their rack.

It happened that day.

17th August 2012.

The twentieth solemnization had to be completed. With the number 20 adorning his back, he was signed for he would be Sir Alex’s self-appointed best man.

But had United, in times of desperation turned to a man they themselves did not fully understand? Had they been blinded by a false dawn last season? Or was it merely a signal of intent, a way to announce to the footballing world that we have not lost our charm, and that the theatre of dreams can still attract the very best in the business rather than churning out stars who leave for bigger brands?

At first glance, RVP’s move seems well suited. He has the deadly-touch, the know how, the finesse, the uncanny ability to find the net with unerring accuracy, and a certain Dutch connection which has only served United too well in the past. Besides ‘Roo’ and ‘Van’ together could surely replicate a certain ‘Ruud-Van’, and terrorise defences and opposition fans. But on peeling of a few layers, it seems he does not fit the plan.

Given he had won the most prestigious individual honours in English football last season. Given he had come close to emulating Ronaldo’s feat of 31 goals in 2007-08 season, given he was on his way to become an Arsenal great, but wait there’s still a lot to narrate.

Comparisons with King Eric have been ripe, but let’s not forget that United already have a talisman, who wears the number 1o jersey with immense pride. Besides, King Eric was epic, he was an enigmatic character. He demanded respect and his colossal figure had shielded the youth back then from harsh criticism and galvanised them completely. RVP can never do the same. His transfer, on the other hand, could act as a big detriment to the burgeoning career of Danny Welbeck.

It has been repeated countless times that United lost the league because they had scored eight fewer goals than Manchester City, and that RVP will ease the pressure on Rooney upfront. But people seem to have forgotten the 3-4 vs Blackburn, the 3-3 vs Chelsea and the earth-shattering 1-6 vs Manchester City. These results were a far cry from the times when United used to be an impregnable unit marshalled by warriors like Owen Hargreaves. Granted that in football if you out-score the opponents you win, but the demanding nature of the League means that you have to be ready to grind out results.

The 1999 treble winning team was an epitome of that, their desire to win was unparalleled. While RVP does not lack the ability to conjure up magic with his boots and burst the net’s roof, still this sojourn will be a true test of his character and his mettle. He will have to adjust to a new system, show greater flexibility, and be ready to play as a lone striker (his preferred role) or as a part of a two man strike-force. With all due respect, last season he was playing for a team striving for Champions League qualification; this season he will be expected to help United in their quest for salvation.

Besides, a poor showing at Euro 2012, where a lot more was expected of him, hasn’t clearly helped his case either, despite him having taken quite a breather for the pre-season. The pressure on him will be much greater, room for mistakes much lesser. Last season he was the main man, he was the captain, the free-kick specialist, the go-to man, this season he may well have to be the Robin to our Batman (Rooney). Scrutiny will be at an all-time high. Every defeat will be magnified. Questions like what if the 24 million pounds were spend on an anchorman or a marauding left-back will begin to surface.

As a United fan, I can only hope that he truly turns out to be ‘van the man’ and ‘staam’-p his mark on the team, so that come next May, the foundations of a long lasting relationship between United and the Premier league trophy are well and truly laid, and as for Sir Alex he would have found his long lost soul-mate.