My Manchester United Masterplan
Article by Robert Osborne
This season is playing out, and so far United fans are not happy. However at the start of the season (after the buys) most fans including myself were simply happy to qualify for the top 4 and build on it next season. Some, who were probably the same ones calling for Fergie's head during 3 barren years or for Moyes to be given more time (this will be covered in a few weeks), expect us to challenge for the premier league straight away. I will submit a full season review when the season is over, so look out for that one!
At present I am looking to the future, and who I'd like to see signed, sold and formation next season. No doubt a lot of people will be looking and expecting a Fifa style team with the best layer in every position, however I've gone for balance (move over Louis, I've got a philosophy). Let's start with those that can go:
Phil Jones- between him and Smalling I opted for Phil due to a few reasons. Poor positioning, poor tackling (the cause of consistent injuries), ridiculously poor distribution (smalling is equally guilty here) and overall brainless attitude to his surroundings. Labeled by Sir Alex as having the potential to be United's greatest ever player (far too much whiskey on the day there boss), Jones has regressed so far he clearly thinks he's doing a photo shoot for the Venky's at Blackburn. I believe he will do well with a mid table club, but does not possess the skills or understanding of the game to sit at the top of the tree.
Antonio Valencia- He has tried, and I will always appreciate the effort. However there comes a time when a one trick pony becomes a no trick pony and you have to admit he's lame. Now is that time for Valencia. When we lost Ronaldo I thought Valencia was a great buy. We were never going to get a ready made Ronaldo and he had power, pace, invention and scared wing backs to death. Since his injury and the debacle of the number 7 shirt he seems to have no confidence in beating players, and his final ball is beyond atrocious. The fact he so often cuts back and passes off 5 yards also slows down the game and nullifies our attacks.
Jonny Evans- The simple fact is that his best period for United was with Vidic whilst Rio was injured. That was nearly 5 years ago, it's time to go. Evans is clearly a British style player surrounded by European style players. Both are effective, but don't mesh well when the centre back is expected to launch the passing movements, not bypass his midfield every time he gets the ball. This is simply another one I'm sad to see go, but is necessary.
Cleverly- let that contract run out and wish him well.
Van Persie- He is not the same player he was and now is the time to let him go. Get 10m for him from Juve and wish him well. If this was a love life, he's a short term relationship that provides you the most satisfaction during play time, but has now soured as you've become a priest/nun. It's a love affair that's over, and I'll always appreciate him and his skill but he's not doing it anymore.
Now we move on to players to bring in:
Raphael Varane- A player we missed out on originally, he is the one that would complete the team. Quick, strong, skillfull, confident in possession and good in the air he would form a great partnership with Rojo at the back for United. His experience of 2 leagues, big derbies, cup finals and winning also means he knows what it takes to be successful, and he never looks fazed.
Coleman- Dynamic, good passer, hard worker and quick he possesses everything a United fan wants to see in a full back. I'm a big advocate of Rafael but it's clear he's not getting in to the team under LVG, so Coleman is my choice. He's also premier league experienced, and we've never had bad experiences with Irish men (Liam Miller aside).
Thiago- Moyes allowed him to go to Bayern unchallenged and I've never forgiven him for that (the Moyes blog is going to be a therapy session for us all). Without doubt for me is the best young midfielder in the world. Better than Kroos (he was an after thought at Bayern, hence why he wanted to leave- all after Thiago was signed), Pogba and anyone else being praised (slight disclaimer- both Pogba and Kroos are very good players). His ability to unlock defences, keep the ball, cycle and recycle possession quickly is exactly what we need. A midfield trio of him, Herrera and Blind/Carrick would begin to the making of the Barca triumvirate of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets.
Memphis Depay- The kid is born for United. Arrogant, brash, skilful, mercurial, a LiveWire and pure class. We may not play the 'United' way, but is a United player through and through. As a Tony V replacement he would strike fear into opponents, and can adapt to formations to suit, which is clearly a Van Gaal favourite.
Anthony Lacazette- 25 goals and 5 assists in 22 games is not to be sniffed at. The French league isn't amazing but defenders are tough and space is hard to find in the final third. At 23 Lacazette is a fine product, with plenty improvement to come and would flourish with the United players around him. Also factor in he wouldn't come at a ridiculous cost and he more than makes up for RVP leaving.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
© e-Football 2014 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football
This season is playing out, and so far United fans are not happy. However at the start of the season (after the buys) most fans including myself were simply happy to qualify for the top 4 and build on it next season. Some, who were probably the same ones calling for Fergie's head during 3 barren years or for Moyes to be given more time (this will be covered in a few weeks), expect us to challenge for the premier league straight away. I will submit a full season review when the season is over, so look out for that one!
At present I am looking to the future, and who I'd like to see signed, sold and formation next season. No doubt a lot of people will be looking and expecting a Fifa style team with the best layer in every position, however I've gone for balance (move over Louis, I've got a philosophy). Let's start with those that can go:
Phil Jones- between him and Smalling I opted for Phil due to a few reasons. Poor positioning, poor tackling (the cause of consistent injuries), ridiculously poor distribution (smalling is equally guilty here) and overall brainless attitude to his surroundings. Labeled by Sir Alex as having the potential to be United's greatest ever player (far too much whiskey on the day there boss), Jones has regressed so far he clearly thinks he's doing a photo shoot for the Venky's at Blackburn. I believe he will do well with a mid table club, but does not possess the skills or understanding of the game to sit at the top of the tree.
Antonio Valencia- He has tried, and I will always appreciate the effort. However there comes a time when a one trick pony becomes a no trick pony and you have to admit he's lame. Now is that time for Valencia. When we lost Ronaldo I thought Valencia was a great buy. We were never going to get a ready made Ronaldo and he had power, pace, invention and scared wing backs to death. Since his injury and the debacle of the number 7 shirt he seems to have no confidence in beating players, and his final ball is beyond atrocious. The fact he so often cuts back and passes off 5 yards also slows down the game and nullifies our attacks.
Jonny Evans- The simple fact is that his best period for United was with Vidic whilst Rio was injured. That was nearly 5 years ago, it's time to go. Evans is clearly a British style player surrounded by European style players. Both are effective, but don't mesh well when the centre back is expected to launch the passing movements, not bypass his midfield every time he gets the ball. This is simply another one I'm sad to see go, but is necessary.
Cleverly- let that contract run out and wish him well.
Van Persie- He is not the same player he was and now is the time to let him go. Get 10m for him from Juve and wish him well. If this was a love life, he's a short term relationship that provides you the most satisfaction during play time, but has now soured as you've become a priest/nun. It's a love affair that's over, and I'll always appreciate him and his skill but he's not doing it anymore.
Now we move on to players to bring in:
Raphael Varane- A player we missed out on originally, he is the one that would complete the team. Quick, strong, skillfull, confident in possession and good in the air he would form a great partnership with Rojo at the back for United. His experience of 2 leagues, big derbies, cup finals and winning also means he knows what it takes to be successful, and he never looks fazed.
Coleman- Dynamic, good passer, hard worker and quick he possesses everything a United fan wants to see in a full back. I'm a big advocate of Rafael but it's clear he's not getting in to the team under LVG, so Coleman is my choice. He's also premier league experienced, and we've never had bad experiences with Irish men (Liam Miller aside).
Thiago- Moyes allowed him to go to Bayern unchallenged and I've never forgiven him for that (the Moyes blog is going to be a therapy session for us all). Without doubt for me is the best young midfielder in the world. Better than Kroos (he was an after thought at Bayern, hence why he wanted to leave- all after Thiago was signed), Pogba and anyone else being praised (slight disclaimer- both Pogba and Kroos are very good players). His ability to unlock defences, keep the ball, cycle and recycle possession quickly is exactly what we need. A midfield trio of him, Herrera and Blind/Carrick would begin to the making of the Barca triumvirate of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets.
Memphis Depay- The kid is born for United. Arrogant, brash, skilful, mercurial, a LiveWire and pure class. We may not play the 'United' way, but is a United player through and through. As a Tony V replacement he would strike fear into opponents, and can adapt to formations to suit, which is clearly a Van Gaal favourite.
Anthony Lacazette- 25 goals and 5 assists in 22 games is not to be sniffed at. The French league isn't amazing but defenders are tough and space is hard to find in the final third. At 23 Lacazette is a fine product, with plenty improvement to come and would flourish with the United players around him. Also factor in he wouldn't come at a ridiculous cost and he more than makes up for RVP leaving.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Coleman Varane Rojo Shaw
Blind/Herrera Thiago
Depay Rooney/Mata Di Maria
Lacazette
Coleman Varane Rojo Shaw
Blind/Herrera Thiago
Depay Rooney/Mata Di Maria
Lacazette
© e-Football 2014 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football
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