On Fergie's mind

Sir Alex has done an incredible lot for Manchester United, but right now there are some issues and Fergie doesn't seem to have a plan - or does he? No matter what, I'd be beyond grateful if he can sort out the following challenges, which are essential to remain one of the top sides in the English top-flight and maybe even conquer Europe again.

by @Nicopoleides

1) Effort and movement

Former generations of United have been able to fight the opposition to pieces by "running their socks into the ground" and leaving them unable to keep up with United's quick-feeted, intensive, agressive style of play. These days, the situation seems to be turned all the way around. Especially in the middle of the park, where the tempo of the game is decided, we play slow-paced players who need space and time to perform on their top level. Both Carrick, Giggs and Scholes can be superb on their day, but particularly the two latter are struggling if the tempo of the game is raised, and the problem have affected the likes of Cleverley and Park as well. We've seen it against Barcelona, and Athletic Club and Wigan(!) have proved an effective way to stop United. When the tempo is raised, we don't have players quick enough and good enough on the ball to keep up with the game and still be on top in terms of play.

The running effort and desire to win games among the players - and not just centrally - is way below expected level, and when the tempo is raised and opponents put us under pressure, we're exposed for a major weakness. The players are neither running or seemingly wanting to move their feet quick enough, which means we're very likely to lose the game(s). To mention an example of a famous and old school United player out wide on the right, we have David Beckham. A top class performer on the ball, delivering pin-point accurate crosses better than anyone else. But an underestimated quality of our former star man is his effort off the ball. When he had a day off and his crosses didn't hit where he wanted, he still fought for every ball like the league title was to be handed out just after every challenge. Both in play and after goals, you'd easily spot his desire to win challenges, games and titles in his glowing eyes. The same amount of effort applied to Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, and the younger Giggs and Scholes as well. Okay, what did this mean?

I - United were never torn apart by other teams' quick movement as the players seemingly would choose death over losing a football match due to lack of effort.

II - United could tear sides apart as they couldn't resist the aggressive style of play, as United dominated the play and were likely to win games. To beat United twelve years ago, you simply needed to possess more quality, as it was extremely hard to beat them on effort and work-rate.

These days the situation is as mentioned turned around, and Mr. Ferguson needs to sort this out immediately. Instead, he keeps doing the opposite:

2) Giggs and Scholes

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have provided top service to Manchester United in thre different decades, and their names are written into the history of Manchester United with a pencil of gold. However, both are ageing and these days best when the tempo of games is slow, as they need more space and time than when in their prime. As well, they're not able to run as much anymore, which makes it possible to reduce their impact on the scoreboard simply by tracking them down and allow them a minimum of time on the ball.

Yet Fergie is determined to keep them for as long as possible because of their "expericence". Two questions:

I - Is this experience actually that valuable? Boroussia Dortmund won the Bundesliga with two players (the midfielder Kehl and the goalkeeper Weidenfeller, both 1980-born, turning 32 this year) in their thirties. That's two players compared to our ten(!) in their third decade, 2011/12 players applied. Now Park, Kuszczak and Owen have departed, but we've still have seven left. Maybe this experiece is a bit overrated?

II - Is keeping the two legends, forcing United to play a slower game, to United's benefit?

It would've been interesting to see Fergie's honest answers on these questions.

3) The fucking midfield

Every summer it's the same. Everybody knows we need a new quality signing in the central midfield department (mind the difference between a CM and a CAM, which is Rooney's and Kagawa's position.) And Fergie doesn't buy anybody. I'd like to have his thoughs on our midfield at the moment, especially if he doesn't sign anyone, which seems the most likely option as we speak. Right now our midfield contains these players:

Carrick - A player who's good against most Prem sides, but struggling with pacey top-notch opponents. Played 30 league games last season, Fergie's safest card in the deck.

Scholes - Top notch against sides which allowed him time and space for his inch-perfect crosses out wide this campaign, but do anyone remember his final complete season? Not bad, but far off his quality after his comeback. To play four months and nine months is completely different matters. Ageing and unable to play every week.

Giggs -  Hopefully we'll never see Giggs in the midfield duo anymore, as he doesn't provide the running and has turned into a luxury player. Ageing and in need of a slow game to perform. Started 14 league games this season, hardly more in the upcoming campaign.

Anderson - A brilliant modern-day footballer when in form, but injury-prone and too inconsistent to trust over an entire season.

Cleverley - Magnificent until he picked up an injury last season. Never really got back onto his level (which may depend on other aspects as well, like United's change of tactics and mentality from the astonishing start of the season.) Played only a handful of really good games for United and still young. Should be allowed to learn from mistakes, not carrying the midfield on his shoulders.

Jones - Played some really good games in midfield, rushing forward on the ball like a few others in this squad do after him, adding quick feet and never-say-die attitude to United's game. However, his performance level dropped around New Year's Eve, and he has struggled to regain his 2011 form. This guy has obviously got bags of potential, but is still too young and unconsistent to trust over a season. Not even sure he'll be a midfielder in the long run.

Fletcher - Let's face it: If he ever makes a comeback, it has to count as a bonus. We can't expect him to return, and obviously we can't rely on him and his health.

Powell - Young and gifted, but he's played at League Two level, which is far off the Premier League. As well he has usually played in more offensive roles than CM. The 18-year-old does surely have the opportunity to turn into a great top-notch footballer one day, but as things stand, we can't depend on him.


However, with this midfield situation in mind, Fergie is still seemingly interested in players to play all over the pitch but the central midfield. We need instant impact in this department, but Fergie doesn't - or does not want to - realise that. One can woner why, and I'm wondering what's on Fergie's mind. He better have a plan.