For most teams and their fans, three wins out of three at the start of the season, with only one goal against, would be reason for some optimism for the upcoming season. But for Manchester United, their fans, rival fans and the many so called experts that litter the media, on TV, radio and in the written form, this is still a poor start.
Apparently, its been too boring or just enough, efficient without exciting, any negatives highlighted, whilst positives are ignored. Coupled with an ongoing transfer window where nobody appears happy. This despite finally finding a solution to the weak midfield that had plagued the club for nearly ten years, no longer having to use a winger or volatile player at right back and bringing in one of the most exacting up and coming forwards in Europe to add the much needed pace and goals to attack. Yet, because a Spanish substitute signed for Chelsea having been linked to United for the past couple of weeks, it is now a disaster. Forget that the only true part of the interest was Van Gaal saying Pedro was a player that fit the profile he was looking at, and that everything else was based on the usual bullshit you read in the newspapers and via “Sky Sources” on Sky Sports, this has meant it is a disaster.
Then of course there is the much maligned defence, a defence that, from November last season, statistically let in the least amount of goals in the English Premiership. A defence that due to injuries, hardly had the same set of players playing more than two or three games in a row, allowing them to build up the understanding a good defence needs. A defence that at times was left exposed by an unbalanced midfield with attack minded players pushing forward, meaning De Gea, having a season to remember rescuing them. Now a dominant centre back in the mould of Stam or Vidic would be great, but there aren’t many about who can also play the ball out of defence and are available. And they also need to upgrade on what United have. Its no good bringing in a new centre back if they are equal or worst than what they have. The other criticism appears to be levelled at the use of Blind in the middle of defence - a man with seemingly no pace and no height. Yet, the modern defender needs intelligence and the ability to use the ball well. Something Blind brings to the team. Intelligent players don’t need pace, as they are tactically aware of where they need to be at any given time and in a day and age where the big strong striker is a dying breed, height isn’t important if you have someone tall next to you - and this is where Smalling comes in, who appears to have woken up and realised he could be the dominant centre back people seem to think United need.
The goalkeeper situation is a little more awkward though and again is very much drawn from hearsay and the usual newspaper bullshit. The only facts we know are, De Gea has one year left on his contract and he is out of the matchday squad until September and the transfer window has closed. We assume that United want more than Real Madrid are offering, assuming they have actually bid for him as neither club have made a statement regarding bids. Nothing else is fact, and the blur between fact and fiction is very much evident in the De Gea story. Will he end up at Real Madrid? Probably, but until this happens he is a United player and although he very much may have been the most important player at the club last season, with a more stable defence and a midfield joining in with defencive duties, he can be dropped whilst the situation is being resolved.
With most in agreement midfield is very much okay, it is the attack and upfront that is also a problem for a lot of people. Even though United are now only playing one up front, three strikers is not enough and a reliance on Rooney is too risky. Forget his recent form, we all know, as captain he is playing, so its best to accept it and move on. Which means unless he is moved to another position or the system is changes, bringing a top quality striker is redundant, as the only top strikers who would come would be ageing ones or mercenaries happy to sit on the bench. I understand Rooney gets injured, United will be left with Wilson or Hernandez, but what happens if Aguero is injured or Costa? They are replaced by players like Wilson or Hernandez - good solid backup strikers willing to do that job.
Rooney’s form, has though been worrying, but I can’t see him being dropped. But, it is is getting tiring reading another ex pro, now turned media pundit, saying he should be played in the number ten position (the fabled hub linking midfield and attack and main focal point of all great teams). Watching him misplace simple passes in recent games should be enough to prove he is not good enough to be the focal point, and with better players to choose from he shouldn’t even be considered. If he plays, it is as the main striker. Having been made captain and having heard Van Gaal describe the captain as the only player almost certain to be played, we know he will still be played (unless Van Gaal and his reputation for dropping main players comes back, but I doubt it).
Now, I’m not for one minute saying United can win the league with the squad they have. But I don’t think its all doom and gloom. If there are no more major signings then so be it. I am confident that the players they have will be good enough to make a challenge and be there or thereabouts come the end of the season. But, as Van Gaal has repeatedly said, if a player comes along who can improve what they have then great. And this, as a United fan, I would rather have than sign second rate players just for the sake of it.
Finally, much has been said about the way these first games have been won. This isn’t the united way. Its too slow and efficient. I say so what. Haven’t all the great sides adapted for the current footballing climate? Its evolution. Football is a changing game and the old United way of attacking with speed and wingers, may not have a place in the modern game. I am actually enjoying watch them pass the ball around with confidence, controlling the midfield.
Van Gaal is building a team who control the game with high possession and fast closing down - the opposition can’t score if United have the ball. This is what he started at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich, arguably the two most successful club sides in Europe over the last decade. They owe their success to the foundations he put down when in charge. He may have a reputation for upsetting players, but it seems to me that for every player, bitter at being dropped, complaining in the press, there are more who talk highly of him. Besides, would Fergie have stood for the stunt Victor Valdes pulled but not playing in a reserve match? Of course not. So lets embrace Van Gaal and his philosophy, and remember how bad it was under Moyes.
