Manchester United: normal services to be resumed?

“Normal Services Resumed”.

Certainly one of the most eye-catching banners made in recent days by the Stretford-End faithful. This banner was shown on the Telecast, moments before Sergio Aguero shaked the hands of Samir Nasri and entered the biggest football fray in England. The Argentine duly made the big difference in the game, scoring what was a classic goal which his ex- father in law would have been proud of, on his day. The banner still makes a hell lot of significance. Aguero might have won the game for his team but there is very little he can do to prevent United from winning their 20th title. The league leaders are an impressive 12 points ahead of their noisy neighbours and their fate lies in their own hands.

Talking about this United team, earlier in the season it was being compared to the famous 1999 Treble winning side. Many believed the Treble was a possible ask, with the team already leading the Premier League with a handsome gap up top, a FA Cup tie at Old Trafford against a struggling Chelsea side and a crucial away goal at the Santiago Bernabeau.

So, where did it all start slipping off?

United were harshly dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, even though they played the better football in the second leg at Old Trafford. Nani’s red card clearly turned the game upside down, Madrid scored 2 goals in the space of 4 minutes, having trailed United courtesy of a Sergio Ramos own goal on the night. United played brilliantly with an ageless Ryan Giggs on his 1000th appearance running the show, but they could do little to prevent Real’s superstars making the number’s game count.

This described the role luck plays in a football game. Clearly, it was not in United’s hand.

But were the events that followed this tie in their hands?

United led Chelsea 2-0 in the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford courtesy of goals from Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney. And it was just 10 minutes into the game.

Normal services were expected to be resumed, with United walking their way to a comfortable victory against a morale-less Chelsea team.

However, it took a fantastic save from David de Gea to keep the tie alive for United as Chelsea equalised in the second half with goals from Eden Hazard and Ramires, and later Juan Mata was denied by the ever impressive de Gea.

United had easy games against two struggling teams in Reading and Sunderland. Naturally, you expect the ruthless league leaders to have a comfortable victory against them. That was not to be the case however. A deflected Wayne Rooney strike against Reading, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from the centre half Rio Ferdinand, and an own goal from Titus Bramble at the Stadium of Light was all the Red Devils could manage.

Then the big game, facing Chelsea again on their own turf in the FA Cup replay. Sir Alex put in a tactical surprise by deploying a diamond to stop Chelsea’s 3 playmakers exploiting United’s middle of the park. It worked out duly. But then it offered United very little while going on the attack. A moment of brilliance from Demba Ba and United found themselves crashing out of the FA Cup.

With the Treble hopes gone within the space of a month, it was time for the biggest match of the season. The Manchester Derby. A victory for United, and the final nail is cemented on City’s Premier League ambitions. United generally seem to thrive in such high voltage encounters with the Old Trafford support acting as an extra man on the pitch.

For the third time in the past two seasons, it was not to be the case however, against their neighbours.

So where did it all go wrong?

Was it due to Robin van Persie‘s goal drought or was it due to United’s midfield or was it due to complacency?

Robin van Persie has not been scoring of late, but his overall contribution has been valuable. He has been a key part of how United play, during the course of the whole season. And he brings a lot more to the side than crucial goals.

Starting with things, comparing this current crop with the 1999 batch was a big time exaggeration.

This season, United’s wing play has been uncharacteristically poor, the one thing you do not expect a team like United which depends a lot on its wide men to make the difference to do.

An out of form Antonio Valencia, who has not lived up to the standard of United’s #7 shirt and the injury prone duo of Ashley Young and Nani are clearly just a shadow in front of the ’99 squad which had David Beckham and Ryan Giggs playing at their peak.

The midfield had a certain Roy Keane and Paul Scholes as well. While one could pass the opponent out of the game, the drive, intensity, passion and leadership of the other was unrivalled.

Looking at the current team, Michael Carrick has been at his career best this season and clearly United’s most influential player on the field. But then, that’s it. He does not have a player that can properly help him out in midfield. Tom Cleverley and Anderson are inconsistent as well as injury prone. Fletcher has been a cursed player over the past year with his illness.

And playing Ryan Giggs in a midfield two in big games is making the team too vulnerable. At 39, you do not expect Ryan Giggs to close down the opposition midfielder, and that always puts extra pressure on Michael Carrick as he has to come out from his deep position to help Giggs out. Especially against a 3 man midfield, one of the opposition midfielders is left completely unoccupied, even two at times.

Such was the case in the Manchester derby. Barry moved out to the left of midfield, Toure took up defensive positions and Silva played off Tevez. Rooney dropped in on Toure at times, but the Ivorian’s mobility and willingness to march high up the pitch made him the favourite, even though Rooney did a decent job. Barry’s movement kept Giggs occupied and hence the midfield was duly overrun.

It is wise to realize that this squad is nowhere near the 1999 or 2006-09 squad, even though it is on the verge of winning the 20th title.

So what next? What do United need to do to dominate Europe again? Bring back Ronaldo? Sign Gareth Bale?

First, they need to sort out the midfield problems.

Kagawa and Welbeck are no wingers. But they can do a decent job on the wings. However, they don’t give the team natural width like proper wingers do. Having already signed the teenage prodigy Wilfred Zaha who looks an interesting prospect, it is down to the team to keep faith on the wingers.

A proper central midfielder has been needed since the past couple of seasons now. Kevin Strootman could be an apt signing in that case, with United Legend Edwin Van Der Sar giving the green light on the move. Edwin’s fellow countryman can be of much aid to Michael Carrick. Even Phil Jones alongside Carrick, in big games, would be a proper choice.

The defence is secure, with a promising and mature Jonny Evans and young Chris Smalling. Even Phil Jones can do a decent job at the centre half position. Rafael has been one of United’s key performers this season and he would only get better. Add to that the experience of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, along with the Spaniard between the sticks, who is becoming a lot more reliable. The forward line is gifted, with 4 extremely talented forwards with the experience of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney added to the poacher in Chicharito and the hard working Danny Welbeck, who is United’s “Big Game Player” now.

Sir Alex won’t stop before making United the Kings of Europe again, so there is nothing to worry about. The 20th title this season and the promise of a better campaign next season is always there.

Normal Services will soon be resumed.