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Thursday, September 11, 2014

“Just throw some money at it…” – Fixing a problem the Manchester United Way



This transfer window proved an interesting caper for the red side for Manchester, as their onfield results continued to underwhelm in an eerily similar fashion to last season’s failed David Moyes experiment, new manager and purported saviour Louis Van Gaal adopted a problem solving method never before seen in the hallowed halls of Manchester United Football Club… “Just throw some money at it.” On paper, United’s window as a whole is flawless, they have brought in some truly world class talent, I don’t think anyone is really arguing that the likes of Angel Di Maria and Falcao can improve the squad of any football club. However, in United’s case they have had a window wherein they have employed Real Madrid’s tactics of generally ignoring the areas of their squad which actually needed strengthening and instead purchased a couple of supposed ‘galacticos.’

Analysing United’s squad at the beginning of the season and indeed watching them play last season yielded the knowledge that reinforcements were in fact needed, and following the departures of Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand over the summer defence should always have been the priority. They began on the right track with the purchase of Luke Shaw, a now 19 year old left back with undoubted potential to become the Premier League’s best in his position, however paying 30 million pounds for a player of this age and inexperience is a seriously risky proposition. As the window progressed, United did manage to strengthen their defence further, with the acquisitions of World Cup Finalist Marcos Rojo and Netherlands International Daley Blind. I would perhaps suggest that Van Gaal had forgotten about the signing of Shaw and felt he still needed to plug the gap left by the departures of Patrice Evra and Alex Buttner and thus signed two more! Otherwise there is simply no logic behind spending over 50 million pounds on left backs in one window… especially when you have been sending your team out in 3-5-2! Judging on the beginning few matches this season, albeit without these three signings, United will struggle to fill a sizable gap at centre back this season, and depending on Jonny Evans certainly won’t get them anywhere… although it does seem as though Van Gaal will have to shelve his beloved 3-5-2 for now in lieu of a formation where he can field perhaps field one or even two of his three new left backs!



United have been aware of the need for midfield reinforcements since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Moyes attempted to plug the hole with vastly overpriced Marouane Fellaini and we all know how that wen, Van Gaal seems to have fared slightly better signing Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria for a combined total of 88 million pounds. However, whilst Di Maria is undoubtedly world class, he occupies a position (Left Wing/Midfield) in which United already possess the likes of Juan Mata, Ashley Young, Adnan Januzaj and until recently Danny Welbeck and spending 59 million pounds in a position your squad does not really need to strengthen cannot exactly be considered smart business. In Herrera’s case I believe he is a signing United truly needed, their squad has been crying out for a midfielder who will control position and will dictate play for a few seasons now and I believe they have finally found one. A look at their current squad shows that they continue to be light in central midfield, boasting 5 central midfielders, namely Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Herrera and Fellaini, however many of whom United fans would not trust to ply their trade in the first team following their recent showings.

Up front United have never had a problem, last season Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney managed 12 goals in 21 games and 17 goals in 29 games respectively, an unbelievably efficient return, and they were ably supported by Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. However, both have since departed the club, to Arsenal and Real Madrid respectively, and United have welcomed the addition of Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on a season long loan to a star-studded forward line. United now boast three world class strikers, but it will take some brilliant man management skills from Van Gaal to get the best out of all thee. Falcao is a signing that will be judged on one thing; goals. Van Gaal has taken a big gamble on the Colombian who has a history of injuries and the Dutchman, alongside anyone who affiliates themselves with the Red Devils, will be hoping that he can stay fit, adapt to the English game and deliver for the 20 times premier league winners.



Essentially, this United team has been bolstered on paper through the tenacious, cashed-up approach of Louis Van Gaal and Ed Woodward, but what will really matter in the end is the ability of Van Gaal to get the best out of his playing group and the speed at which he manages to do so. Expect United to start slow but come home strong. Hang in there United fans, there are better times ahead.

That’s the Rosey Wrap on Manchester United’s transfer window,

Thanks for reading,


Jake Rosengarten