This transfer window proved an interesting caper for the red
side for Manchester, as their onfield results continued to underwhelm in an
eerily similar fashion to last season’s failed David Moyes experiment, new
manager and purported saviour Louis Van Gaal adopted a problem solving method
never before seen in the hallowed halls of Manchester United Football Club… “Just
throw some money at it.” On paper, United’s window as a whole is flawless, they
have brought in some truly world class talent, I don’t think anyone is really
arguing that the likes of Angel Di Maria and Falcao can improve the squad of
any football club. However, in United’s case they have had a window wherein
they have employed Real Madrid’s tactics of generally ignoring the areas of
their squad which actually needed strengthening and instead purchased a couple
of supposed ‘galacticos.’
Analysing United’s squad at the beginning of the season and
indeed watching them play last season yielded the knowledge that reinforcements
were in fact needed, and following the departures of Patrice Evra, Nemanja
Vidic and Rio Ferdinand over the summer defence should always have been the
priority. They began on the right track with the purchase of Luke Shaw, a now
19 year old left back with undoubted potential to become the Premier League’s
best in his position, however paying 30 million pounds for a player of this age
and inexperience is a seriously risky proposition. As the window progressed,
United did manage to strengthen their defence further, with the acquisitions of
World Cup Finalist Marcos Rojo and Netherlands International Daley Blind. I would
perhaps suggest that Van Gaal had forgotten about the signing of Shaw and felt
he still needed to plug the gap left by the departures of Patrice Evra and Alex
Buttner and thus signed two more! Otherwise there is simply no logic behind
spending over 50 million pounds on left backs in one window… especially when
you have been sending your team out in 3-5-2! Judging on the beginning few matches
this season, albeit without these three signings, United will struggle to fill
a sizable gap at centre back this season, and depending on Jonny Evans
certainly won’t get them anywhere… although it does seem as though Van Gaal
will have to shelve his beloved 3-5-2 for now in lieu of a formation where he
can field perhaps field one or even two of his three new left backs!
United have been aware of the need for midfield
reinforcements since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Moyes attempted to plug the
hole with vastly overpriced Marouane Fellaini and we all know how that wen, Van
Gaal seems to have fared slightly better signing Ander Herrera and Angel Di
Maria for a combined total of 88 million pounds. However, whilst Di Maria is undoubtedly
world class, he occupies a position (Left Wing/Midfield) in which United
already possess the likes of Juan Mata, Ashley Young, Adnan Januzaj and until
recently Danny Welbeck and spending 59 million pounds in a position your squad
does not really need to strengthen cannot exactly be considered smart business.
In Herrera’s case I believe he is a signing United truly needed, their squad
has been crying out for a midfielder who will control position and will dictate
play for a few seasons now and I believe they have finally found one. A look at
their current squad shows that they continue to be light in central midfield,
boasting 5 central midfielders, namely Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher,
Anderson, Herrera and Fellaini, however many of whom United fans would not
trust to ply their trade in the first team following their recent showings.
Up front United have never had a problem, last season Robin
Van Persie and Wayne Rooney managed 12 goals in 21 games and 17 goals in 29
games respectively, an unbelievably efficient return, and they were ably
supported by Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. However, both have since
departed the club, to Arsenal and Real Madrid respectively, and United have
welcomed the addition of Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on a season long loan to
a star-studded forward line. United now boast three world class strikers, but
it will take some brilliant man management skills from Van Gaal to get the best
out of all thee. Falcao is a signing that will be judged on one thing; goals.
Van Gaal has taken a big gamble on the Colombian who has a history of injuries
and the Dutchman, alongside anyone who affiliates themselves with the Red
Devils, will be hoping that he can stay fit, adapt to the English game and
deliver for the 20 times premier league winners.
Essentially, this United team has been bolstered on paper
through the tenacious, cashed-up approach of Louis Van Gaal and Ed Woodward,
but what will really matter in the end is the ability of Van Gaal to get the
best out of his playing group and the speed at which he manages to do so. Expect
United to start slow but come home strong. Hang in there United fans, there are
better times ahead.
That’s the Rosey Wrap on Manchester United’s transfer
window,
Thanks for reading,
Jake Rosengarten
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