United have dominated English football for twenty years, they currently lie top of the league. However, there is a sense of inevitability that Man City are about to overtake them as the best side in England. The question is, has Ferguson done enough to prevent this happening?
Manchester United have dominated England since the inception of the Premier League, with 12 league titles and potentially one more this season, their achievement is quite remarkable. When only three other sides have the won the league, with Arsenal and Chelsea winning it three times each and Blackburn achieving it once, then it really does show the complete dominance that United has had.
The era of United's dominance has never seen them lauded for their style or quality. Instead more for their drive, hunger and never say die attitude. They reflect their manager in this respect and this "winning" mentality has been the reason for their supremity. Arsenal have been the side in recent seasons which captivate the imagination with beautiful football, yet have recently lacked the killer instinct necessary to sustain a title challenge, Chelsea's challenge to United appeared genuine and Mourinho in particular made things interesting for United, however with both of these sides, United and Ferguson have overcome them. However this season we have seen a new look City side receiving huge plaudits for their style of football. And yet, United are still the side favourites for the title.
In my opinion this is probably the most average United side for a long time, their performances in Europe have shown that and the reason they are challenging has more to do with Alex Ferguson than the players; once again has been able to get the most out of a group of players which except for a few cannot be deemed top quality. He was again got them challenging for the title, though if United do win the league season then what does it really say about the standard of the English league?
Why United have been poor
On the 28th May 2011 Manchester United were once again humbled by the best side in world football. The gulf between the sides was quite shocking, in their previous encounter in the 2009 final United lost yet this time was different. The 2011 game was a chance for Ferguson to show he had learnt from that defeat, that he had bridged the gap between the sides. In fact he had not learnt from that defeat, his side contained the same players (except for Ronaldo) and played the same way; which allowed too much room for the quality of Barcelona to exploit.And so last summer some serious work was needed on a squad which clearly the lacked quality in key areas; a new goalkeeper was required to replace a retiring Van Der Sar and a centre midfielder was essential to compete with the likes of City, Madrid and Barca. Yet Ferguson decided to invest in the future of the side; De Gea was considered the best option for his potential more than his current form. This was a mistake, Van Der Sar’s arrival coincided with a period of success and finals. He was the first to properly replace Schmeichel because he had the experience required to play for a top side like United. It is common knowledge that a goalkeeper improves with age and Ferguson would have been better going for the available Martin Stekelenburg from Ajax, another Dutch keeper, 29 years of age with 40 caps for his country. He went to Roma for £5 million. This would have been a much better acquisition.
The other two signings were interesting also; Phil Jones was admittedly brought in a year before Ferguson intended because his hand was forced due to other interest. His has shown he has lot’s of potential, yet lacks certain characteristics to be regarded as a top player now; a lack of tactical understanding, discipline and concentration have not helped United this season. Yet the worst signing was Ashley Young, at 26 years old he is not one for the future, and so one would expect more of him now, yet he lacks what is required for a top side, in the big games he struggles especially against good full backs. He showed his limitations at Villa yet Ferguson saw something in him, probably his crossing and set pieces, which made him think he was good enough for United. I believe Ferguson got these signings wrong and would have been suited to buy a player like Juan Mata or Shinji Kagawa instead of Young. Buying British is commendable yet quality is what was required to “compete” and “catch up” with Barcelona.Wesley Sneijder is a player who was constantly linked to United last summer, yet the only thing that Sneijder would have offered would have been the fan fare it would have generated. There is a reason that he did not make it at Madrid and his success at Inter came when Mourinho revolved the side around him in order to bring out his best; he gave him midfield cover and a free role to play. Since Mourinho left, Sneijder has not been able to recapture that form, simply because he is not a team oriented player, he would not have adapted to United, especially as him and Rooney play similar roles. Ferguson dodged a bullet by not bringing in Sneijder yet has missed out on players who would have been ideal for his side in Samir Nasri or Mesut Ozil who would have been better purchases in the last two years for the attacking midfielder position. The fact they both chose other top clubs says a lot about the state of United.
In terms of the positives of this season, United have suffered major injury problems again and their depth has brought them through them. Losing Vidic was a major blow and Cleverley did appear to offer something new, the fact they are top of the table shows their amazing mental strength. Though there has been one player who has stood up above the rest this year, Antonia Valencia. He has been the difference and is the reason United are competing for the title. It is no surprise that Rooney is more prolific with Valencia in the side, last seasons injury coincided with a poor run of form of Rooney. And yet at the start of the season Valencia was playing at right back, allowing Ferguson to play his distinctly average signing Ashley Young out left and putting Nani right.
The balance of the side was not right and the best winger should have been playing higher up. Pundits blamed the loss of Cleverly on United's dip in form, yet it was the absence of Valencia on the wing which was the major issue. This season he has 11 assists and 3 goals, a vital contribution from a player who I regard as the best winger in the English league.
Danny Welbeck has also shown flashes of potential and much has been said about Paul Pogba. However, the key to potential is unlocking it and like too many players at United right now, lot's of talk of potential yet little show for it presently.
There are many players who should be deemed surplus to requirements in the summer. Berbatov appears agreed to be set to leave; it is correct he should go yet it is a shame that he has not performed for United, as he clearly has the ability and class. I think Ferguson believed he would be the new Cantona, however his scoring record against top sides is laughable and Ferguson must be questioned for another big money flop.
One of the reasons for Berbatov’s problem, was like that of Veron, that he wants to dictate the tempo, control the game. Both were not given this luxury for United, instead required to play the United way. And what is this way? Midfield players who are instructed to get the ball wide as soon as possible to fast wide players who look to provide crosses to the forwards. This has been the tactic and style of Ferguson for decades, simply it doesn't suit playmakers like Veron and Berbatov who want and require the play to go through them.
Two more who have not lived up to expectations are Nani and Anderson. Both were acquired in the summer of 2007, arriving for around £17 million each. They were regarded as the brightest talents in Portugal at that time, Nani being seen as the apparent heir to Ronaldo and the Brasilian Anderson regarded as one of the best young attacking midfielders in the world. Check out this video of Anderson as a youngster before his move, you’ll be amazed to see skill, speed and finishing abilities that many United fans have not seen at Old Trafford. Ferguson has ruined the potential of this player, his skill and creativity reduced to being a continuity player, spreading square passes to his wide players. It is a real shame to see such potential ruined. Ferguson has taken away what he was good at and reduced him to being a mediocre player. Nani performed well last season yet this season seems incapable of reproducing any of that form. Why did Ferguson buy them if all he wanted to was mould them into his specific British style? He should have changed his tactic to suit these players, not have them fit into round holes. Both of these players need to move, for their own careers more than anything else.
One man who needs to go more than any other is Patrice Evra. Ever since the incident at the 2010 World Cup Patrice Evra has lost something, whether it’s drive or motivation, he appears devoid of work rate, concentration and quality. His decline has been one of the most shocking and tragic in recent memory. Yet he continues to play, even leading the side as captain. What Ferguson sees in him is puzzling, perhaps his loyalty stems from the racism incident or perhaps he doesn’t have an adequate replacement. Either way if Ferguson has any sense this summer must be the year when Evra is moved on and a replacement is bought in. Jordi Alba seems destined for Camp Nou yet United need only to look at Leighton Baines as a more than adequate replacement. For Baines himself he needs to move to a top club to achieve his potential and United will require him to replace the faltering Evra.
The contribution of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford has been nothing short of phenomenol. Ferguson is not wrong when he says that Scholes has been the best midfielder in England in the past twenty years. Yet Vieria also is not wrong of the impression that Scholes’ return has made on this United side. If Scholes was needed, and his appearances which indicate that he has been, then Ferguson clearly miscalculated last summer. In the past five years there has been too much reliance on these two, in effect stalling the required evolution of the side.And so who and what is needed?
When looking at players for next season Ferguson has been reportedly interested in Eden Hazard at Lille. In my opinion this is the perfect player required for United, fast, skilful and creative, he can bring to United what Ronaldo did and give Rooney someone to link up with. Another option could be Shinji Kagawa who has been a revelation since his move to Dortmund, United have reportedly being looking at him already and he could offer a lot of speed, movement and creativity which United dearly lack.
Behind them is needed a player in the mould of Michael Essien in his prime. A player who has shown his class and work rate this season, especially against United has been Chiek Tiote, available for around £12 million, he will give the United midfield what they lacked this season; drive, strength and a good tackling ability combined with the ability to pass effectively. Javi Martinez is another who has been touted, yet I believe he is too similar to Carrick for them to be play together, yet as a replacement for him then he would be perfect. Many fans will hope for Luka Modric, yet in my opinion United can do much more with £40 million.
Iker Muniain has been a revelation this season and would be someone that Ferguson should consider, yet if they were looking across at Bilbao, it is Fernando LLorente who would be an ideal fit to play with Rooney. At 27 he is in the prime of his career, he offers the talent and skill to play at the top level and has the strength and capabilities to deal with the Premier League. This is who United should seek to replace Berbatov with.
Defensive issues
United have been so formidable in their Premier League career and it has mainly come from their strength in defence. This season however, their defence has not been as solid. There have been injuries to their captain Vidic and the inevitable decline of Ferdinand has thrown Smalling and Jones into the limelight, playing as either right back or centre back. They are not good enough at this time to be the first choice defenders for United. Especially in Europe, their inexperience was evident.
There have been many pundits praising the performances of Jonny Evans lately, however I would disagree. Sure, his performance against Wolves was impressive, yet the team bottom of the league down to ten men, it doesn't get any easier. The games against Bilbao really showed the deficiencies in the defence; long range shots were not closed down effectively, runners were not followed and players were able to run with the ball too easily into the attacking half .
The Da Silva twins have shown that they are capable footballers, yet they are not defenders. The modern game requires full backs who can attack as much as they can defend, yet Rafael especially shows a real lack of discipline and control in his play, especially in and around the penalty box. With these two in the side, Man Utd don’t look comfortable, they are too eratic. Gary Neville offered consistency and reliability in a key position, as of yet United have not yet replaced him fully.
A change in style?
United's style has been questioned for years, they are efficient without really entertaining. However, when Carlos Quieroz was assistant, the year they won the Champions League in 2008, the style varied; an attacking four was given much more licence to roam and interchange positions. This is arguably the best football that United have played. And so what does the current style say about the current coach Mike Phelan? I have believed that since he has been assistant that United have been distinctly average, in their style and quality. Efficient of course, yet their predictable tactic has been found out on the European stage, this season especially. If United wish to compete with City and challenge in Europe again, then they require a coach who can modernise what is a very old fashioned United side. The game has evolved, tactics have moved on and fluidity has replaced static positioning. As the other sides around Europe improve, United continue their one style fits all way.
The biggest barometer of United's gulf has been shown against sides from Spain. Since 2008, United have played 12 games against Spanish sides. Their record is W 2 D 6 L 7. This is significant as it shows that Ferguson has not been able to compete with the best country in the world. His last three games against Spanish sides, Barcelona at Wembley and the two legs against Bilbao have shown the gulf in talent, quality and tactics.
Spanish teams are able to move with the ball to create an opening for a pass, rather than just picking a man and passing to him. I think English teams in general struggle in dealing with this, due to the different nature of play in the Premiership. And conversely, I think Spanish teams have read the English style of play and are able to counter it. Has Ferguson adapted his tactic or style when playing against these sides, no, he sticks to his way and gets comprehensively beaten. This to me shows the difference between the quality of the league, of the players and importantly the coaches, where many in the game talk of the Spanish league being more tactical. I think we believe that it is just technical skills that they are superior in, yet they have a level of tactical understanding that our sides, fans and players don’t, or importantly don’t want to have.
A change coming?
What do United and Ferguson need to do to put them back on the European stage? He has bought for the future, has some potentially excellent young players in his squad and possesses one of the only world class talents in the England side. However, things need to happen this summer; certain players need moving on and these will require replacing, and not with potential talent but with top talent. Players of quality to strengthen the first XI and give United the strength they had three years ago.
They should consider changing their assistant Phelan and replace him with someone who is a quality coach and who knows Ferguson well. Perhaps even someone who Ferguson can groom to be his replacement. I believe that man should be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A former player who gave great service to the club, he also coached the reserves before going to Molde in Norway and winning the league. Contrary to other ex-United players, he has actually been successful.
Keeping up pace?
Manchester United are arguably the biggest side in the world, they have dominated the English league for the past twenty years with one of the best managers in world football and Ferguson has done an excellent job of evolving his sides to meet an ever changing game and has blended youth and experience with almost seamless precision. However, Ferguson is closing in on his retirement and though his legacy will not be forgotten, is he capable of keeping up with City and Barcelona?
They should consider changing their assistant Phelan and replace him with someone who is a quality coach and who knows Ferguson well. Perhaps even someone who Ferguson can groom to be his replacement. I believe that man should be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A former player who gave great service to the club, he also coached the reserves before going to Molde in Norway and winning the league. Contrary to other ex-United players, he has actually been successful. Keeping up pace?
Manchester United are arguably the biggest side in the world, they have dominated the English league for the past twenty years with one of the best managers in world football and Ferguson has done an excellent job of evolving his sides to meet an ever changing game and has blended youth and experience with almost seamless precision. However, Ferguson is closing in on his retirement and though his legacy will not be forgotten, is he capable of keeping up with City and Barcelona?
He promised that he learnt from the defeats to Barca, however this season would appear not to show that; poor signings and predictable tactics have resulted in a poor European campaign and have prompted many to question how good United are. Many will put United's success more to Ferguson’s drive and determination than to the quality of his players, I would agree and would also say that Ferguson has been the reason for the lack of quality in the team. He has made mistakes with a lot of money in the transfer market and I believe he now questions his own decisions, believing that there “is no value in the market”.
Somehow he has worked his magic on this side to have them challenging for the title again. However, many of his players lack the required quality to give Ferguson another Champions League. When looking at the top sides around Europe United are far behind in terms of quality, depth and style. European football and success is the benchmark of a top side, two finals in three years indicates a side that was up there with the best. Yet, the manner of the losses to Barcelona showed that a gulf existed between 1st and 2nd, and this season that gap is even wider.
Blue moon rising
As for City there is a seeming inevitability about their rise to the top of English football, Rio’s comments appear to sense the impending domination. Ferguson knows how important the title will be for this club, with all the riches City have thrown at achieiving success it is not guaranteed. Ferguson has built a club on strong values and a trust in youth, he should be commended for all his achieved. Yet an impending sense of change appears upon us. City should have won the league this year with ease, however they have allowed United into the race, if they don't win this year then it will be only a matter of time.
City are certainly built and funded for a long term dominance and as the sun begins to set on Ferguson’s career, it seems fitting that perhaps the sun begins to set on the dominance of United in the league, there distinctly average performances this season with more than just a few mediocre players has led many to think if this is the worst United side in the past fifteen years. Has Ferguson assembled a side built to compete with the quality of players and excesses of money of their “noisy neighbours”? When you consider the quality of City compared to United it is hard to think who would get into that City side. I believe that only Rooney, Valencia and possibly Carrick are good enough, what does this say about the quality of United?
The need to invest
It will be interesting to see how much investment and support will come from the board in the next few years. There has been many dissenting voices about their ownership yet with success comes silence. What will be interesting is when City start dominating the league, what will fans say then? I am sure more voices will be heard and the anti-Glazer campaign will pick up more steam. They have supported the manager in recent years, yet in order to compete with City it will need more. Do they have the funds or importantly the interest to bridge the gap? What is for certain is that it will be very interesting to see what happens in the coming years.
I believe that since winning the Champions League in 2008 this side has become gradually poorer, Ferguson is to be blamed for this. The Barcelona which beat United in 2009 is better now than it was then, they have evolved their side to continually improve and develop in order to keep on top, Ferguson didn’t do this, instead he has continued with the same core of players for too long, and the evidence of this has been seen this year. Serious investment is needed to compete with City and continue United's dynasty. This will be testing times for Ferguson, the board and the fans.
0 comments:
Post a Comment