Manchester United : What's wrong with the Red Devils ?

Manchester United v Arsenal – Premier League

Manchester United, one of the most prestigious and popular clubs around the globe, are not flying high this season. Throughout their Premier League journey, they have won 20 EPL titles but it is highly unlikely that they will be able to make it 21 this season. The rise of Arsenal triggered by the majestic form of Aaron Ramsey is one of the reasons which is holding the Red Devils back. They have been showing sparks of brilliance at times but they need to do it consistently in order to succeed in the longer term.

One of the major reasons for their possible downfall this season is the change in managerial post. Sir Alex had created such an effect on the fans and the team that no one was able to deny or criticize any of his decisions. However, the appointment of former Everton manager, David Moyes, has brought with it a change in everything. There have been major changes in the tactics and the team selection. There also has been a considerable amount of decrease in the effect the manager of Manchester United should have. Moyes hasn’t been able to show the united faithful what he is capable of doing under the huge mountain of pressure he was put under but still United are quite sure that he is the man for the job. As to if he will be able to live up to the expectations, let’s wait and watch.

Team selection has been a problem for Manchester United

One of the biggest problem for Moyes is the team selection. United have spent without a second thought in the past couple of transfer windows. Spending valuable money wastefully, that is. They have bought way too much attackers. However, as they say, every coin has two sides. While the players that they have bought offer them with a great diversity in attack, they also give a headache to the manager. He now has to choose from, literally, a sea of players in attack. While Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are must in every game, he has to choose between Nani, Antonio Valencia, Shinji Kagawa, Ryan Giggs and Wilfried Zaha on the wings while he can play only two. The recent emergence of Adnan Januzaj has triggered the amount of competition even more. They spent heavily on forwards and hence forgot to defend. Something that cost them the 2011-12 premier league title.

Two of the best defenders who have been a solid wall for United in the past, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are growing old and aren’t being able to defend at their best. Jonny Evans was impressive last season yet inconsistent, a similar problem as Phil Jones. They still have to gain experience and cannot be relied upon completely. Instead of focusing on defence, the Red Devils wanted to bolster their attack which got them into an inescapable web.

Will United play better football this season? Will they be able to rise to the perfect definition of the word ‘champions’? Is David Moyes the best possible successor to Sir Alex? Will this United play as good as that of last season? All these questions need time to be answered. United have been on the wrong path for most of this season. But, a few defensive signings in the January transfer window and a few instrumental changes to the game-plan can see them through, both in England and Europe.