By Jason Nevin 22/8/14
A lot of people have been offering opinions in the last few months about which areas Manchester United need to strengthen and which players they could buy to do it. It seems to be commonly accepted that they are weak in the centre of midfield and generally in defence. But, even if (as Paul Scholes suggests) they brought in 5 worldies in those positions, would that be enough?
It makes sense doesn’t it that if you want to improve a team you go out and you buy the most skilful players? Not always a successful strategy though is it? Look at La Liga last year – Barcelona and Real Madrid with their embarrassment of riches were unable to topple the paupers over at Atletico. Talent does not guarantee success.
One other element that needs to be considered and one where United are lacking is on-field-authority. All great teams historically have a good blend of youth and experience but its more than hours on the field that gives a player authority. Some people just have that aura about them that makes others respect them and take their lead; players like Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Zinedane Zidane, Carlos Puyol, etc. These are the players that the youngsters look to when the chips are down, these are the people that the managers depend on to turn things around when their team has conceded an unlikely goal. They give their team that extra 10% that separates them from the others.
United, of course, have had their fair share of players of this ilk; most recently Scholes, Keane, Vidic, Stam, Bruce, Hughes, Rooney even Beckham, Cantona and Giggs. But, now if you asked me who I’d like at my side in battle I’d call for Rooney (and Van Persie at a push) – both strikers. The fact is that even if Edwards did get out the cheque book and sign Di Maria, Hummels, et al would they really be what the team is missing? I have my doubts. Manchester United needs to find a few players, a couple of alpha males, because what I saw on Saturday (and all of last season) was young men looking for guidance from senior players but all (with the exception of Rooney) they had to help them were Young, Nani, Fellaini and Fletcher all of whom were stood with their hands on their hips.
The problem is those types of players tend to be very hard to find and historically Man U have bought them young and brought them through the ranks. When you do find them they are normally loyal too, part of the reason that they garner so much respect. And, of course, managers don’t want to let them go, they are fully aware of how hard they are to replace. This is precisely why Vidal is proving so hard to prise away.
I don’t have the answers although I do feel Vidal would definitely be a great additon. Herrera too looks like he has what it takes but when you are in the heat of the conflict do you really get confidence from seeing your midfield partner (Darren Fletcher) mincing around the battleground? He is a young man at a new club and he needs to feel that someone has his back (the alternatives are Cleverley, Jones and Anderson).
Time will tell whether they manage to sort the situation out at United but I think there is more to it than just getting out the chequebook.
