This season is starting to take the wrong turn for United after they lost to both Liverpool and Chelsea but I cannot say I expected them to do much better. This team have reached its peak last season and they are in desperate need of rebuilding. Antonio Valencia is the only notable player to have arrived last summer and he is already showing signs of promise but more need to follow. This side have a couple of missing links and the only way to save this season is by significantly reinforcing the squad in January. Not that I believe Fergie will do that but this is what United need at the moment.
Right-back
Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra are among the best there is at their respective positions but United don’t have a right-back to match. Gary Neville is well past his prime, Rafael is still too young, while John O’Shea and Wes Brown are good players but right-back is not their natural position. Ferguson need an attacking full-back like Glen Johnson or Dani Alves, who can be a big threat going forward, while being reliable at the back as well.
Someone to replace Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes has had a remarkable career and he gave everything he’s got to United but he is no longer a player he one was. His creativity and pin-point passes to his teammates drove United forward for so many years but now the boss has to find him a replacement. Anderson is showing occasional glimpses of quality but he is by no means consistent enough or good enough to occupy Scholes’ role for the years to come. Both Carrick and Fletcher are really good players but they lack the vision and that subtle touch needed to be the creative force of such a big team.
Left winger
Antonio Valencia have proved his potential this season and is getting better by the day, thus it seems the right wing position will not be a problem. However, there is one place vacant on the left hand side. Nani had his chance and failed to take it, while Giggs still has something to offer but he will be 36 in few weeks’ time. Ji-Sung Park seems like the best choice at the moment but he is much more a player who works for the team (definitely good to have him around) than a creative force up front.
Centre forward
Dimitar Berbatov is occupying the place at the moment but the Bulgarian is simply too inconsistent to be considered United material. Wayne Rooney needs a centre forward to play off him, someone like Ruud van Nistelrooy, who can lead the soccer stats charts and take some pressure off Rooney, which is something Berbatov simply cannot do. Michael Owen can help the team by coming from the bench or playing some less important games but he can no longer command a starting berth.
