Manchester United: Replacing the Irreplaceable

2012/2013: 1st

Transfer(s) In: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, £15 Million) Alvaro Varela (Penarol, £2.5 Million), Marouane Fellaini (Everton, £27.5 Million)

Transfer(s) Out: Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson (Retired)

Transfers Review:

                                                  Drawn out transfer sagas have characterised Manchester United's summer so far, with rumours about potential incomings and outgoings rife. These, without the actual signings of any marquee signings, have led many football commentators to question if players are as interested in playing under the guidance of David Moyes as they were under Sir Alex Ferguson, and whether this will have an impact on Manchester United's season. I wonder if Moyes is to be known as a 'nearly man' at Manchester United, having come close to signing several big names only to see them slip from within their grasp. Midfielders Thiago Alcantara went to Bayern Munich, whilst their main target Cesc Fabregas has elected to stay at Barcelona, after several failed bids. These failures have left Manchester United fans disenchanted with the new Chief Exec Ed Woodward and the manager, before the season has even really begun.

                                                   The signings that they have made appear ones for the future. Whilst Wilfried Zaha's transfer did officially go through in January, he has recently started breaking into the first team, seemingly suggesting that he plans on being a core part of the Manchester United squad. The first signing made during the summer transfer window was a relatively unknown defender called Alvaro Varela, who has been tipped to be an excellent prospect for the future. United fans expected further signings, as they fear the strength of both the Chelsea and Manchester City teams. Eventually, they got their wish, with Marouane Fellaini following Moyes from Everton, for a grossly inflated fee of £27.5 Million. However, if we consider my season review post for United from a couple of months ago, we see that I actually said that David Moyes getting to grips with the current United team would be the most important aspect of their pre-season. Certainly he has had the time to do that, but repeated rejections doesn't look particularly good.

                                                     Another important aspect for United, if they were unable to sign any big names, would be to keep hold of their current ones. Of the first team, only Paul Scholes has left, due to his second retirement. However, another transfer saga has dominated United's pre-season, with Wayne Rooney apparently unhappy and confused with his position at United under Moyes. After comments the new manager made to the press, which stated that Rooney would only be backup to Robin van Persie, Rooney has been looking for a new club. With Chelsea having two bids rejected already, I see this saga travelling right the way to the wire, as United seemingly want to keep the England striker, or if he is to leave, sending him to a title rival is probably not the smartest move!

Pre-Season:

                                                      David Moyes's Manchester United career started in the worst possible manner, with a 1-0 loss on their first pre-season match in their tour of Japan. After that defeat by the Singha All Stars, Moyes tasted victory for the first time with an emphatic 5-1 win over the A-League All Stars, with goals from Lingard, Welbeck and van Persie. Despite that morale-boosting victory, they then fell to their second defeat on tour, 3-2 to Yokohama F. Marinos, before only managing a draw to Cereso Osaka. They managed to end their tour with another emphatic win, 5-2 against Kitchee, with Wilfried Zaha looking particularly good in Asia, however, there will be much that Moyes will be concerned about over the next few months.

                                                        Their final two pre-season matches will have worried Moyes further. Starting with a trip to Stockholm to face AIK, and only managing a draw against a much weaker Swedish side, before a poor performance in a 3-1 defeat in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial against a Sevilla side missing several key players from the previous season. Those matches would have certainly not settled the nerves of the new United manager, especially before the curtain raiser of the season at Wembley stadium in the Charity Shield. However, they needn't have worried. They cruised through the game against Wigan, winning 2-0. To be fair, they were playing a full strength team against what is a side a league below them. Nevertheless, a win is a win, and it will give them momentum going into the season.

Key Players:

                                                          Without any big new signings, Manchester United run the risk of becoming a one-man team. In Robin van Persie, they have a man capable of winning the Golden Boot regardless of the team. He carried Arsenal for several years, and seems like he is beginning to carry this United team too. He has incredible ability both on the ground and in the air, and seems to have a predatory instinct for goal. I fully expect him to be back among the Golden Boot contenders once again this time around. United will be hoping that his injury-prone nature will not come back to haunt them.

                                                            David de Gea will also prove pivotal to United's season, as they were often accused of being poor in defence last campaign. De Gea was hailed as a great signing last year, and he will need to continue that form into this year. His reflexes are undoubted, and he has got better during his two years in England, but he still seems to struggle with crosses. He will have to improve that if they want to keep their title.

Key Fixture Dates:

26/08/2013: Manchester United vs Chelsea
01/09/2013: Liverpool vs Manchester United
22/09/2013: Manchester City vs Manchester United
10/11/2013: Manchester United vs Arsenal
30/11/2013: Tottenham vs Manchester United
03/12/2013: Manchester United vs Everton
01/01/2014: Manchester United vs Tottenham
18/01/2014: Chelsea vs Manchester United
11/02/2014: Arsenal vs Manchester United
01/03/2014: Manchester United vs Manchester City
15/03/2014: Manchester United vs Liverpool
19/04/2014: Everton vs Manchester United

Top Goalscorer:

                                                             A simple decision: Robin van Persie. He will definitely be around the top scorers charts again, without any injuries. I don't know if he will win his third successive crown, but I wouldn't put it past him. Whether he will score outrageous volleys like against Aston Villa and Everton, or deflected ones like against Wigan, any will be equally appreciated by United fans.

Prediction:

                                                              After Fergie bowed out at the end of an incredible two decades in charge, all the questions have been about whether Moyes can succeed him. In terms of signings, certainly not so far. In terms of performances, in pre-season it suggests not, but only time will tell if his league form can be compared to Sir Alex. However, it will take time, and with less experience than either of his title rivals, I think that Manchester United will finish behind the pair of them this season. But United tend to give their managers time, so Moyes will bounce back.

Manchester United 2013/2014: 3rd

Community Shield 2013: United on Cruise Control

                         After the excursion to Villa Park last year, the season's official curtain-raiser returned to the national stadium. For those that are unfamiliar with the match, it sees the winners of the previous year's Premier League play the holders of the FA Cup. This year, Manchester United met Wigan Athletic, after a memorable season for both last year. The Red Devils made their way to Wembley after collecting their 20th top flight title, and 13th Premier League crown. Wigan, the perennial underdogs, were unfortunately relegated in the league, but after an incredible run to the FA Cup Final, with impressive displays against Everton and Millwall, they performed one of the all time shocks in the final, beating Manchester City 1-0. With a significantly weakened team on account of their relegation, there were few that were giving them a hope today. But that is what people said in May...

                           Although this game ultimately means nothing, both clubs would have been eager to begin their season as they intended to continue. For David Moyes in particular, after an unspectacular pre-season tour, this was an opportunity to cast off the doubters of his ability to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at United. With Wigan looking one of the favourites for promotion come this May, they would also have wanted to maintain the momentum after their 4-0 thrashing of Barnsley last week. Both sides showed their determination to win the trophy, putting out practically full strength squads. The game started as was intially expected, with United dominating possession. The last thing that the Wigan fans would have wanted was to see their team fall behind early. But this was exactly what happened. To the despair of all neutrals (and Arsenal fans), Robin van Persie extended his fantastic scoring form since his move to Old Trafford. After a flowing move, Patrice Evra stood up a ball towards the back post. Poor marking from Wigan saw van Persie free on the penalty spot to place an accurate header just inside the post, beyond the despairing dive of Wigan keeper Scott Carson. 1-0 after just 6 minutes, and worries of a walk-over began to surface.

                            These concerns were not eased by the dominance that United enjoyed over the next 20 minutes. Fotunately for Wigan, they seemed perfectly content to knock the ball about in the middle of the field, retain possession and create chances at will. Only some excellent last-ditch defending, and some wasteful finishing from United meant that Wigan went into the final ten minutes of the half in with a chance. This clearly didn't escape the notice of the Wigan players, who began to push forwards. After getting a couple of free-kicks in dangerous situations, they really should have equalised. A whipped-in free kick was headed back across the box, with Leon Barnett needing just a touch to steer it home. Unfortunately for the Latics, the ball was slightly too high, missing the big centre-back and allowing United to clear. The final few minutes passed relatively without incident, with a spat between Nemanja Vidic and Grant Holt dominating proceedings. At half time, we had seen United dominate the early period, but we had seen enough of a Wigan fight-back to show that the result was still in doubt.

                               After the break, proceedings continued in a vastly similar fashion. United instantly got back on the front foot, pushing the Latics to the edge of their penalty area. Once again, Wigan's hopes were crushed by an early goal. More than a touch of fortune this time, as the predatory van Persie scuffed a shot towards goal after a neat move, only to see it ricochet off Wigan's James Perch and wrongfoot Carson. Having extended their lead, United once again seemed content to sit back and hold the ball, and where necessary, soak up any Wigan pressure. Though the Latics did attempt to push on, they never really threatened David De Gea's goal. On the break, both Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck had chances to extend United's advantage, but neither to provide the clinical touch. United also used the later stages to bring their younger players into the squad, with Januzaj replacing the excellent van Persie. The Dutchman will once again prove an integral part of United's season, and could provide a first major trophy to Moyes, though I am sure the Scot will count this one! In terms of youth, Wilfried Zaha also looks a good prospect, and England fans will be hoping he remains injury free this year. Whether he is worth the reported £15 million that United paid, I am unsure, and he will have to prove himself worthy of that valuation, but he is certainly a good player for the future.

                                Manchester United will be glad that they did not suffer the same fate as their city rivals, as that would have been the worst possible preparation for the away trip to Swansea next Saturday. I have never believed that the Charity Shield actually gives any insight into the teams involved, and this one is no different. In fact, this one is perhaps less representative than last year's Manchester City vs Chelsea, as United were playing a side a league below them, and one that they were widely expected to win. And win they did, and comfortably. Moyes will be pleased with his side's performance, but will expect them to step it up a gear if they want to retain the title they won so comfortably last year, with the resurgent Chelsea and Manchester City. For Wigan, they retained their pride. There is no embarrassment in a 2-0 defeat to the current Premier League champions. Their first objective must be to get back into the Premier League, and they certainly have the squad to do so. The Europa League will be a pleasant excursion, and one hopes that it does not detract from their league form. Both sides should have a successful campaign, but both managers will be under immense pressure to deliver their objectives.

PFA Team of the Year 2013

             My Player of the Year blog turned out longer than I thought, so I thought I would do a separate one on the PFA Team of the Year. Again, another highly contentious subject, with fans from most clubs complaining about someone having been omitted. I believe that the vast majority of the team selected is correct, or at least justified, based on the performance of many throughout the season. This certainly would have been one of the toughest squads to call, as there has been little to choose between many players this season, and many teams, and indeed individuals, have surprised us with their performances over the past nine months.

 

                I have only one significant complaint regarding the team. In terms of both attack and midfield, it is difficult to argue with the selections, as all have been exceptional. In fact, there are a few more names that would not have looked out of place: Marouane Fellaini, Santi Cazorla, Michu etc. It is in defence where the PFA appear to have neglected to note the statistics, and instead opted for the very tempting approach of ‘pro-champions’. If you look at statistics, Manchester City have conceded fewer goals than Manchester United, and have kept more clean sheets. I am not saying they have done it deliberately, nor am I saying this out of bitter City loyalty, having experienced it for City myself last year. I am merely stating that it is easy to understand why, especially with Manchester United so far ahead in the title race, players, that in another team would have been omitted, have been included. I seem to remember at the start of the season that United were being heavily criticised for their poor defending, epitomised by the chaotic 4-3 victory over Reading in December.

 

                Nevertheless, I will run down each of the selected players, stating why I think they deserve (or do not) their place, culminating in me putting forward my own Team of the Year (maybe with a few substitutes...)

 

David De Gea (Manchester United) – Unfortunately, we start with one of the members of the team that I believe should not be there. It is often not particularly difficult to be a goalkeeper in a championship-winning side, but despite this, De Gea has still made several high profile errors this season. Whilst he is much improved from last season, and his shot-stopping ability is unquestionable, his collection from crosses remains poor.

Leighton Baines (Everton) – A close run thing with both Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole, either of which would have deserved a place, but I find it difficult to argue with Baines. A consistent performer and often the driving force behind many of Everton’s forward bursts this season.

Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham) – Another certain inclusion for me. The big Belgian has had a highly impressive first season in the Premier League, even going on a recent scoring streak.

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) – Whilst Rio has had a good season, especially when you consider his age, this is a prime example of what I was discussing above. If he played for a mid-table team, his performances this season would be generally forgotten. As he plays for the champions, his performances are instantly upgraded.

Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City) – City’s only inclusion into this team, and a thoroughly deserving one. A rock at the back, Zabaleta’s consistency this season has been superb. Whilst, at times, his defensive colleagues have gone missing, he has been the one to ensure that City’s defensive record remains the best in this season’s Premier League.

Gareth Bale (Tottenham) – As you can probably tell from the previous blog, a truly deserving winner of the Player of the Year, and therefore an obvious selection for this team. Having scored two or three simply stunning goals (vs West Ham in 90^th min springs to mind), and been incredibly consistent all season, Bale has been the catalyst for Spurs’s push towards the Champions League.

Juan Mata (Chelsea) – Another simple inclusion. The diminutive Spaniard has had arguably his best season this term, currently leading the creator’s charts. The headline of the ‘Holy Trinity’ currently operating at Chelsea, his trickery and vision has been a joy to watch this campaign.

Michael Carrick (Manchester United) – Although, personally, a surprising nomination for the Player of the Year, it cannot be denied that Carrick has had an exceptional season for United and deserves his place in this team. Most fans would have conceded pre-season that central midfield is the area United lacked. Carrick has most capably filled that void with his performances this year.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea) – Another of the successful signings this season. With a reputed £30+ million price-tag, the stakes were always going to be set high for the former Lille man. In his first season (if we ignore the kicking of a Welsh ball-boy) Hazard has become a catalyst for much of what Chelsea has created going forward, forming a great partnership with Mata and Oscar.

Robin van Persie (Manchester United) – Top goalscorer for the last two seasons, it is hardly difficult to see why van Persie has been selected. His ability to deal with the move from North London to the North West has put many Premier League underperformers to shame (especially the likes of Fernando Torres). His 25 goals this year have arguably won United the title single-handedly. I disagree, but I can’t deny it helps.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool) – The enigmatic striker has certainly had his most successful goalscoring season since moving to Merseyside. Whilst his unprofessional conduct all too often detracts from his talent, the positive performances still deserve some form of recognition.

 

My Team of the Year

       Jussi Jaaskelainen (WHU) 

Leighton Baines(EVE)      Ashley Williams(SWA)        Jan Vertonghen(TOT)       Pablo Zabaleta(MNC)

 

Gareth Bale(TOT)              Juan Mata(CHE)                   Michael Carrick(MNU)        Eden Hazard(CHE)

                                           Robin van Persie(MNU)              Luis Suarez(LIV)

Substitutes:

David De Gea(MU)    Matija Nastasic(MC)    Patrice Evra(MU)    Marouane Fellaini(EV)    Santi Cazorla(AR)    Michu(SW)    Christian Benteke(AV) 

PFA Player of the Year Award 2013

              Last night marked the prestigious PFA Awards for the 2012/2013 Premier League season. Firstly, congratulations must go to Gareth Bale for winning both the PFA Player of the Year, and the PFA Young Player of the Year. Secondly, I was unsettled by the booing that greeted Luis Suarez’s name at the ceremony last night. As the audience was made up of his peers, it shocks me a little that they lacked the necessary class to simply ignore the situation. Furthermore, it reinforces the implicit argument, by the FA’s punishment, that biting someone is worse than racism. No players booed Suarez after the Evra affair, but now he has bitten someone (again), he deserves booing? I think not. This lack of professional courtesy, along with the recent controversy over Reginald D. Hunter’s jokes, has slightly detracted from what I believe is a deserving winner.

 

                Nevertheless, there appears to be significant debate over whether Bale did deserve this award. Having spent the morning trawling through BBC Sport’s comment section on the article (I know I’m sad!) many comments have been raised that suggest that either Robin van Persie or Luis Suarez would have been more deserving recipients. I am aware that much of what is written on these comment sections is entirely biased, and often offensive (until moderators remove it), and fans will naturally support the player for their own team. However, a few interesting points were raised, which I believe merit some discussion and examination. Firstly, one of the most overused phrases when describing Gareth Bale in this comment section was ‘a model professional’, something which was simultaneously used to castigate Luis Suarez’s chances. This prompted numerous responses from angry (and I suspect Liverpool) fans, stating that the idea of Bale as a ‘model professional’ is laughable due to his habit for diving. To me, they are arguing from a rather indefensible position. Whilst, personally, I believe that diving is one of the greatest sins of the modern game, it can be stamped out by tougher officiating. It is also simply an example of one professional attempting to gain an unfair advantage. However, both Bale and Suarez have been found guilty of this offence. Racism, and what can only be described as ABH, on the other hand, cannot be so easily eliminated. Neither are they simply an occupational hazard of having 22 highly competitive players in one place. Whilst I take the point about Bale not being a ‘model professional’, I would go a step further. I would eradicate that phrase from the dictionary when attempting to describe the actions and personality of a footballer. However, in my opinion, Bale’s misdemeanours are far slighter than those of Luis Suarez. As this award is voted for by their peers, clearly the players thought so too. I agree that personality should not be the sole determining factor, but it should definitely contribute. The winner of the award supposedly represents the best of football. Therefore, players will vote based partially on their abilities, and partially on their personalities.

 

                Secondly, arguments have been raised regarding Gareth Bale’s statistics. As he happens not to be either the Premier League’s top goalscorer, or top creator (I refuse to use the word assist on the grounds that it is an Americanism), he is apparently unworthy to win the award. Once again, these arguments completely miss the point. Firstly, you can spin statistics to say whatever you want. Gareth Bale happens to be the joint top scorer on goals scored away from home, if that really matters. Secondly, his position should be taken into account. As both Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie are centre forwards (i.e. it is their primary job to score goals, and lots of them), one should expect them to be towards the business end of the goal charts. Bale, as a winger/attacking midfielder, should not be judged to the same standard. The fact that he, at time of publishing, is only 6 goals behind van Persie and 4 behind Suarez, is impressive. The only statistic that I believe Bale lacks on is as a creator, as he remains several behind both van Persie (8) and Suarez (5), despite being in a seemingly beneficial position on the pitch. Those arguing for Suarez on the basis of statistics clearly have either not read them properly, or have spun them to their own advantage, as he trails in almost every one. As for Robin van Persie, in terms of statistics he is difficult to argue with. However, this brings me nicely to my third point. I believe consistency and moments of genius are key in determining the victor. Robin van Persie, whilst he undoubtedly has had moments of brilliance this season, went missing from the turn of the year until a few weeks ago. That is not the sign of a player destined for an award. Gareth Bale, on the other hand, began writing headlines from November onwards, and I believe has been the most consistent player this season. Timing, unfortunately, is an element in this process, and Bale appears to have picked his moment to come good to perfection.

 

                Finally, the most childish argument of them all, of ‘British-bias’ towards Bale. I was unsure whether to even include this, but I thought it so easy to shoot down I couldn’t resist. The fact that 4 of the 6 candidates to win the award this year were non-British, and that this is not untypical of most years, implies that there is no such thing. There are several British names that could have been included, if such a thing existed. Leighton Baines, Rio Ferdinand, both of whom were put into the PFA’s Team of the Year, but omitted from the nominees. The idea of a ‘British-bias’ is ridiculous, especially when you consider it is voted for by the players, most of whom, as it is regularly commented upon, are not British! This argument appears nothing more than the whining of the sore loser.

 

                So well done to Gareth Bale, overall a deserving winner. Fortunate in some respects, and I do wish he would stop diving, but a genuinely great footballer. With these awards, he joins a very exclusive list of multiple winners, and of players to have won both awards in the same season. If he progresses the same way as the last one, a Mr Ronaldo, then the rest of the Premier League will have serious problems.