Manchester United: The future looks bleak

A lot of things, both positive and negative, have been said about Manchester United this season. Looking back, the biggest positive is that the team is fighting on all fronts with everything well within their grasp. However the biggest negative has been the manner is which the team has reached here.

United have been winning or better put they have been grinding out results. They have been economical at the back but their performances have been dull and boring, even ugly at times. What can be the reason for this? A look at the current squad and the answer is clear. The squad is the problem. Over reliance on players in the twilight of their careers like Van der Sar, Giggs and Scholes, young players not stepping up and yes injuries too.

Lets have a closer look:

Goalkeeping:

Edwin Van der Dar. Since he has joined United, the tides have changed. United have looked stronger and harder to beat. To be talked about in the same breath as Peter Schmeichel says everything. However he is retiring at the end of this season. Who will take his place? Kuszsczak is not good enough and Anders Lindegaard has been signed to take Kuszsczak’s place in the squad.

Verdict:

Sir Alex will not repeat the mistake he made when Scmeichel retired. A top class keeper will be his top priroty this summer. Manuel Neuer, Pepe Reina, Hugo Lloris, Stekelenberg and David de Gea are being linked. There have been mixed reports in the press about the possible replacement. Only time will tell.

Defense:

Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra. These are names that will find their place on the team sheets on most of the top teams in Europe. Whenever they play United look tight and composed at the back and hardly concede goals. The problem has been getting them to play together. Right back has been the trouble some area for United for the past couple of seasons. Neville’s retirement has made things worse. Rafael looks good to become the first choice right back. The talent is there. With experience he will become better. No doubt.

Verdict:

Ferdinand is getting old and injuries are creeping in quite regularly. However I feel United have found a replacement. Chris Smalling has been very impressive so far. He is strong, good in the air and looks certain to take over Rio’s place in the future. Johny Evans. Whenever he plays you know for sure United will concede. His presence at the back makes Vidic look shaky and ordinary. John O’shea and Brown aren’t good enough. Evra although good in attack, is vulnerable defensively. His positonal play is letting him down. Most of the times he is seen at the centre back position. This means Vidic has to leave his place and move to the full back position as seen most recently during the Manchester derby. United need reinforcements at the back mainly at the full back positions. If not, Darren Fletcher will be seen more often at right back.

Midfield:

The weakest link in United’s chain. Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Carrick, Anderson, Valencia, Nani, Park, Gibson and Hargreaves. Unlike the defence none of them will find their names on the team sheets of any of the top teams in England or even Europe. Scholes and Giggs will play for one more season, not more than that. Although no one can replace them, United are yet to find anyone able enough to take their place. Also you cant expect them to play day in and day out. With them United look bright but they fall flat when either or both of them are absent.

Nani has shown enough promise this season. He has been the spark. However at times he has been quite irritating for example take the Marseille game yesterday. He does show flashes of brillance which often wins games but he fails to do the simple things well. That along with inconsistency has been his problem. However he is just 22 and we can hope great things from him. Anderson has been plagued by injuries and not much can be made of his contribution so far this season except that he brings a lot of energy into the midfield. Park as usual has been good but then he lacks quality. He works hard and runs his socks off everytime but he is found wanting when he comes across world class players and teams.

Verdict:

This is the area where more than a couple of addtions are required. The holding role in midfield is vacant. Carrick isn’t good enough. No surprise that names like De Rossi and Rodwell are being linked. Giggs has been superb this season and has made the left wing postion his own. One can say that Valencia’s injury has hurt United this season. But then Nani plays better on the right. So a left sided player is needed. Gareth Bale anyone? If anyone can lift the team up it will be this guy. But then does United have the power to sign him? Thats the biggest question. Reports have also linked Alexis Sanchez as a potential signing. Another position is the attacking midfield role. A name that has been linked is Charlie Adams who is young and has had a phenomenal season so far. Plus he is scottish. He is worth the risk.

Attack:

This is without doubt the strongest part of United’s squad. Berbatov and Rooney are world class players. Rooney is finally back to his normal self. Although he has not been finding the back of the net like last season he has been playing well and it is only time before the flood gates open. Berbatov has been United’s player of the season. Critisized since the day he has joined, he has finally answered his critics, scoring goals galore this season.

Verdict:

The future looks great. Chicharito has been a great signing. Although he is used like a super sub these days, he has a great future ahead at United. Add to this the performances by Welbeck on loan at Sunderland, the attack is in good hands.

Final Verdict:

As a United fan, I am excited. Last couple of seasons, United have been quiet during the transfer window. But that I feel is about to change. Rooney’s transfer saga has helped too. Sir Alex and United know that the time has come for investments. Reports emanating post the Rooney saga suggested a lot of chopping and changing at Old Trafford this summer. Finally it all comes down to the kitty handed over to Sir Alex. Or will we hear the same old phrase “Overpriced market”? One thing is for sure, United have to do something, else the future is looking bleak.