This season was always going to be very difficult for United, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s team were in desperate need of rebuilding even if Ronaldo hadn’t left for Real and nobody was surprised to see the team struggle in the first part of the season. Nevertheless, the last few weeks have shown this team still have something to offer and maybe this season will turn into a success after all.
The first part of the season was very difficult for United as the side needed a new system without Ronaldo, while the numerous injuries to the playing staff certainly didn’t help. The team did struggle to catch Chelsea at the top but they also didn’t allow the Blues to run away and as a result, we still have the chance to defend the Premiership title.
While the FA Cup defeat to Leeds still hurts, the Carling Cup campaign has been a big success especially after knocking out City from the semi-finals and with all due respect to Aston Villa, this trophy should be going to Old Trafford. We did fairly well in the Champions League so far and while Milan are not the easiest opponent there is, I really fancy our chances against the pensioners from Milano.
As far as the players are concerned, Luis Antonio Valencia has had a great first season so far and he is already looking like a key player in the side, but the likes of Berbatov, Nani, Anderson and Carrick are a whole different story. Both Berbatov and Carrick were instrumental to team’s success last term but they have utterly failed this season and no one knows why. I never held Anderson or Nani in high regard and now everyone can see they are not a United material.
The capture of promising defender Chris Smalling from Fulham is hopefully a sign of things to come since this team need fresh blood and need it soon. The financial situation is very poor now (thanks Glazers!) but Fergie have to find some way to raise funds for new players unless he wants to keep playing Scholes, Giggs and Neville as long as they can walk without a crutch.
Once again we have a talented bunch of youngsters coming through the ranks and even if the club fail to bring new players, we shouldn’t worry too much, with Welbeck, Macheda, Diouf, Cleverly, Gibson, Obertan and Da Silva twins all waiting for their chance to shine. It looks as though Fergie has come to terms with losing Vidic in the summer, especially having brought Smalling from Fulham and the prospect of Evans, Smalling and Da Silva forming the back line in the near future certainly looks appealing.
A lot will obviously depend on how well we do this season but I feel next summer is the right time for a major clear out. The boss can raise a lot of cash by selling Vidic, Berbatov, Nani and Anderson and if he uses it wisely, United will again top the soccer stats charts next season.
