Manchester United - Striking options

For a side riddled with injuries at the back, the striking department seems to be in robust health for Manchester United. So much so, in fact, that the absence of the key man Wayne Rooney has hardly been felt at all. Danny Welbeck has been injured on and off as well but again, he has not been sorely missed. Undoubtedly, the protagonist of this story has to be the much doubted is-he-being-bought-for-too-much-money, Robin van Persie. The answer to that: No.

Manchester United sit atop the Premier league with a seven point gap over their cross-town rivals and reigning champions, Manchester City. This would, given Manchester City’s extraordinary squad, mean that United have been playing out of their skins or City have been abysmal. In fact, it is actually neither of these reasons, and it is both.

City have been good but nothing special, except in patches. United have, on the other hand, been consistently in second gear, occasionally shifting to fourth for just enough time to get ahead in games, only to lapse back into comfortable lulls. United have won more points from losing positions than any other team this term. Now, the much fabled ‘character’ that Manchester United seemingly have imprinted in their DNA is evident for all to see. However, the less philosophical, and more realistic explanation is that their strike force has been doing the job. Quite simply, all United seem to be doing is outscoring their opposition.

The defence has been poor. However, some of this can be attributed to the almost ever-changing back line (especially the center of defence and the goalkeeper). The defence, time and again, has been bailed out by the strike force. Not to discount the contributions from midfield (and indeed Evra, Rafael and Evans) but the strikers have taken most of the plaudits and rightly so.

Robin van Persie has been an absolute sensation, taking to the team like the proverbial duck to water. He has looked as if he has played all his football in this team. Of course, this is partly because Sir Alex brought him in at a time when he had matured completely as a footballer and this was perhaps precisely what was needed at the time.

Javier Hernandez has been a revived soul this term, after the customary second season syndrome, which is perhaps not what is it made out to be. He did not have a proper pre-season or a proper rest prior to the start of last season. Niggling injuries did not help either. In contrast, one can readily witness the benefits of a proper rest prior to the start of this term.

Wayne Rooney has played a very different role this season. He has dropped off deeper and deeper, often playing almost in the center of the park, allowing van Persie the freedom to run the channels and strut his stuff. Wayne has always been more of a team player than an individual and it has shown again this season. He is happy assisting and his assists have contributed immensely. One could easily see why van Persie seems to have an almost telepathic understanding with Rooney at times; the pair of them are extremely intelligent footballers who have a keen sense of the play around them.

Danny Welbeck started the season as third choice behind Rooney and van Persie and even started a few games on the wings. An injury and Hernandez’s subsequent excellent form has consigned him to number 4 now. However, having an option as Welbeck to call on can’t be all that bad, can it?

With Hernandez making himself undroppable and the imminent return of Rooney, the problem facing Sir Alex seems to be one of plenty. Can he accommodate all three of them in the same team, seems to be what everyone seems to be asking. Given Valencia’s dip in form, Rooney may well play from the left, allowing the other two to play through the middle. Of course, the advantage of having players in the mould of Rooney and van Persie is that they offer such fluidity that pretty much anyone can play anywhere.

The added bonus, of course, is that with United still involved in 3 competitions, games will come in thick and fast and a larger squad always helps. Whatever be the strike force, the one constant factor for Manchester United this season has been goals and if things stay the same, expect more of them. Interesting times ahead, if you are a Manchester United fan that is.