Normally “squeaky bum time” is
associated with the end of the season. The phrase famously coined by our
ex manager Fergie(Damn, I hate saying that) , relates to the feelings of anxiety and pressure,
when challenging for trophies. Well I think this season, it can be used
at the beginning, as it hasn’t been the smoothest of summers in United’s
recent history. When SAF decided to announce his retirement in early
May, everything that was in place transfer wise, had to put on ice, or
totally defrosted. David Moyes didn’t take over the reins until 1st
July and before he got his feet under the table, he was flying off to
Asia and Australia for three weeks.
This didn’t stop the speculation
throughout June about possible transfer targets such as Strootman and
Thiago. Both done deals apparently and bookmakers suspended betting
on both players becoming Reds. It soon became clear that neither were
coming and both signed elsewhere. Subsequent interviews with both
players revealed that neither had even spoken to United, or the manager.
However, it had wetted the appetites of all supporters that we were
actively looking for international midfield players to enhance our
squad. Fergie himself had set off the rumour merchants wagging tongues
with his revelation, that we were to spend big, not just in monetary
value but in names as well.
I am ever the optimist in life and
especially in all things United. In my crew of match watching Reds, I am
mister positive. The other’s come out with stuff like “I would take a
point today”, “Norwich due a win here” blah blah blah. They rely on me
to lift them up and make a case why United will win that day and usually
after some Heineken, they agree. So, it is unlike me to be heading into the
new season with a little bit of trepidation. Yes, we have seen a major
change, a new manager, a whole new background staff but I see that as a
major positive. I have built myself up for new signings so much that I
have convinced myself, they are vital to our success, as our current
squad isn’t as strong as could be. There are so many question marks in
my view, about so many of our current squad, without the strengthening
promised, I begin to fear a little. Lets hope that this fear can be
allayed with at least a few signings before the window closes in 20 days
time.
We did win the league at a canter last
season, so most Reds are assuming we will just pick up where we left
off. Which wouldn’t be that great as we really stuttered for the last
month of the season. Defensively, we are fine, we have the players and
the cover that is needed. A great goalkeeper and nice blend of
experience and young players at the back. If, as has been speculated,
Leighton Baines is a transfer target and he arrives, then this just
enhances our defence even more. Michael Carrick is one of the best
Midfielders in the Premier league and outstanding for United. I fear if
we lost him to injury we would be in the mire without adding to this
area. Scholes has gone, not only have we lost his nous and know how, we
have lost one of the finest passers, link players and the player with
the greatest vision in not only Premier league history but United’s
history. We don’t expect to replace him because we can’t but we do need
some class in that area. Anderson lacks the stamina and Cleverley lacks
the ability to fill the void. I would like to see some steel added in
there, Fellaini, another touted player fits the bill. I was convinced
Fabregas was coming to add the class but it’s not worked out. It was
such a disappointment to waste the five weeks we publicly courted him
and as it seemed, had all eggs in one basket. Other targets are now
supposedly being worked on and lets hope they are realistic and
achievable before the window closes. So two midfielders would do very
nicely for me, to play with Carrick and cover any subsequent injuries in
that department.
Onto strikers, we have the best in the
Premier league without a doubt. Robin van Persie is world class and
let’s make no bones about it, his signing won us the title last season.
The man has everything needed and winning that trophy has given him the
hunger for more. Just seeing his delight at scoring twice on Sunday in
the Community Shield, was as joyful as seeing the ball hit the back of
the net for me. His strike partner Rooney, is a totally different kettle
of fish. He actually hasn’t said a thing all summer or the end of last
season. Frozen out of the big games by Fergie, he apparently stated his
intention to leave United. The whole summers back pages have been
filled with is he staying or is he going. I like many United fans are
exasperated by it all and wish the saga would be brought to a swift
conclusion. Many Reds are split on what they want the Rooney outcome to
be. Some want to sell at all costs, some want him sold abroad. If I
could have my preferred outcome on the whole charade, it would be a fit
and motivated Wayne Rooney staying at United. He had an indifferent
time of it last season but still managed 16 goals and wasn’t played in
the big games where we were knocked out of the cups. Gary Neville is an
excellent judge and if he says United will miss him, then who are we to
argue. Danny Wellbeck is not a goalscorer, he could not fill any void
left by an injury to Robin van Persie. Hernandez is a goalscorer but an
impact player, he could not lead the line the way Robin van Persie or a
fit Rooney does. Kagawa, is a silky player but has it all to prove
playing off the striker. He is very lightweight and drifts out of games.
Lets hope he has learnt a lot in his first season and we see the player
Dortmund fans and manager rave about.
Our wingers also have it all to prove.
Wilfred Zaha has done well pre-season and forced himself into the
reckoning but the Premier league is a different proposition for such an
inexperienced player, lets hope he can step up. Young is injured once
again and conveniently so is Nani with all the transfer speculation
around him. Valencia’s confidence has suffered so much that he has given
up the burden of the number seven shirt. Added to the sudden loss of
one of his best friends, his mental state can’t be at its best right
now. Let’s hope he can return to the form of his first few seasons in a
Red shirt. Big positives are the production line of kids still being
produced and hopefully they can be integrated into the squad and given
chances to make an impact. Adnan Januzaj is an undoubted star of the
future, he has all the attributes to go all the way in football, I have
no qualms in making that statement. Jesse Lingard could be another to
sneak into the squad and enhance our forward line when needed. As proved
in pre-season, he knows where the goal is for sure.
With the season starting on Saturday and
the ridiculous situation of International matches being played this
week. The chances of incoming transfers this week, look remote. I still
cling to the hope that we can bring in at least Fellani,
or similar and of course Viva Ronaldo. I think so many transfers hinge
on one big deal having a domino effect on the others. Lets hope so and
the above players all end up in a Red shirt this season. Not just for
the success it will bring but because my bum really is squeaking without
them.
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