Season Review: Manchester United - Part I

The Disappointments

The biggest disappointment for United this season without a second thought would be Antonio Valencia. After such a fruitful last season, the Ecuadorian winger almost disappeared this season, thereby further complicating problems in the midfield for United and Fergie. The Gaffer continued to chop and change between Valencia, Young and Nani but to the sheer embarrassment of the three, the best wide midfielder this season was a 39-year-old Welshman.

When Juergen Klopp says he feels like crying when he sees the way Shinji Kagawa is utilised here at Old Trafford, I can understand what he says. With United employing a typical 4-4-1-1, Kagawa would always be a terrific choice to play behind the main striker. But with attacking riches like van Persie, Rooney and Chicharito, you can’t blame Sir Alex if he starts with two from among those three. But why buy Kagawa if you would buy Van Persie? He had been ineffective playing out wide for Japan, so the United management must surely have been aware of that. Kagawa’s buy wasn’t manufactured to boost shirt sales in Asia, but the way he is being utilised, he would end up going the Berbatov way sooner than later. Can Moyes accommodate Van Persie, Rooney (if he does indeed stay) and Kagawa in the same team? I wonder.

Much have been written and talked about Rooney’s alleged transfer request and how fans seem to be calling for his transfer now. Rooney, who was the top scorer for the club in the 2011-12 season, ending with a total of 34 in all competitions, ended up on the bench at Fulham as Sir Alex preferred new signing Robin Van Persie to him after the former’s rather lacklustre display in the season opener against Everton. He came on later but a gash to his leg sidelined him for a further four weeks, adding injury to insult. By the time he returned, United were playing around Van Persie just like they did around him a season back.

Wayne Rooney is still one of the finest strikers in the planet and he has proved that time and again he has been asked to score. But being a selfless lad he is, he has been asked to play somebody else’s role far too often. His versatility has been his curse. People have been talking about how Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure is going to affect the club and nothing is going to be the same. Well, it might as well be if they hold on to the lad who goes by the name of Wayne Rooney.

In the next edition, we will have a look at the outstanding performers and breakthrough players for United this season.