As the dust settles on a busy fortnight, from the transfer window closure to an epic win over QPR, we can now take stock of our players and see how, as a team, the formation will bode for the forthcoming season.
Using our manager’s initials so, let’s look at how healthy we are at the back, in the middle and up front – and what that means based on ghosts of pitches past present and future…
L for Leadership?
Leadership is one of the essential ingredients when looking at your goalkeeper and defence. We have lost Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra. Three players, all of whom lead by example and each of whom captained the side with great pride and honour. They were all very vocal on the pitch, which was key to the development of David De Gea and should not be underestimated for the role they played helping him through his first season – and the so-called “shaky” start to his career. Rafael, Evans, Jones and Smalling all benefitted from playing with these guys and soaking up every syllable all advice. The need to replace this leadership and experience was one of the key objectives during the transfer window and while we were linked with Hummels and Vermaelen for a lot of the close season, alas, they did not find their way down Sir Matt Busby Way. Instead we signed Rojo and Shaw. Great talents and in time I have no doubt they will one day lead by example – but for now they are young players getting used to playing with the biggest club in the world. Their focus will be on their own game and settling into the Utd system and way of life – and given that fact we are going to have to be patient.
V for Vision?
Vision and versatility from our midfielders will be key this season. This has been the weak point for many years and while we still wait for that central midfield general to step forward there has been a lot of good work done in the transfer window. Herrera has settled well and is a player who always wants the ball and is always looking for that killer pass, while controling the pace of the game. Blind, who I assume will play mostly in midfield this season, will occupy that holding midfield role while others are given the freedom to go further forward. He is solid, comfortable on the ball and knows the way LVG likes to play. Di Maria’s record speaks for itself and he will guarantee plenty of assists while chipping in with the odd goal himself. A Vidal/Carvalho/Strootman-type player didn’t materialise, but the fact remains that there is definite improvement in this area within both the defensive and offensive roles.
G for Goals?
Goals, goals, goals – these are the first three words I think of when I see Falcao, Rooney and RVP in the team. Whether they all play together or not, the threat they pose to opposition defences is immense. RVP and Rooney can both play slightly deeper whereas Falcao is an out and out goalscorer. We lacked some creativity in this area last year but now with these three; plus Di Maria, Herrera, Mata and Januzaj all possibly providing the ammunition required, there is a sense of excitment among fans that hasn’t been seen in recent years.
It’s not possible to overhaul the full squad in just one transfer window but LVG and Woodward have made a great start. The vision and goals they have for Man Utd will be seen on the pitch also, but a possible lack of leadership in a key area might be the only chink in our armour.
That said, we are building this team again – our leaders will emerge and in time we will once again take our place as league leaders in all aspects of football.
This you can be sure of.
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