This summer Manchester United spent quickly and decisively. It looked like the behaviour of a club that knew exactly what they needed to improve and then they would be ready, even better than before, uncatchable. But is this true? Based on their performance in the Community Shield, here are some dramatically premature conclusions.
Watching Manchester United against Manchester City on Sunday, 3 things were apparent. The first is that Ashley Young will be a success this season. Of course it is incredibly early to make assertions like this but Young already links up well with Rooney and looked like one of the leaders in the team despite the fact he has only just arrived. He was energetic, lively and looks raring to go.
The second observation was the weakness of United’s central midfield. The starting pairing of Anderson and Carrick were underwhelming and when you look at the rest of their squad there is not much to stir excitement. Giggs, Fletcher, Gibson and Cleverley, (who came on and showed attacking intent and potential) does not seem a list to strike fear into the heart of the opposition, the ongoing pursuit of Wesley Sneijder looks far more important now. Whilst Young may alleviate some of the creative burden, United were far too dependent on Nani and Rooney last season and Sneijder’s ability would be a significant improvement.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]
Third was the absence of Edwin Van der Sar. David De Gea has big boots to fill and while no-one at United would expect him to have the authority, presence or understanding that Van der Sar developed with his back four over six years, on Sunday, the young Spaniard looked like a man feeling sorry for himself even though the second Manchester City goal looked distinctly saveable. With United lacking an abundance of creativity, the last thing they need is to start conceding goals.
With Van der Sar and Scholes leaving the club, it was always going to be difficult to find able replacements that can maintain the quality of the squad. Whilst it is undoubtedly too early to draw conclusions on the quality of their signings, it does seem apparent that there is plenty of room for Wesley Sneijder in this team and the hole in midfield did not seem so obvious last year. Without him, and with De Gea needing time to grow into Van der Sar’s role, United will be more vulnerable this year.
