There seemed to be no end to Manchester United’s woes as the coveted Premier League trophy eluded the ‘Red Devils’ for the sixth year on the trot last season; so did the chance to compete against the European elite this season as they missed out on the top four spot in the league thanks to a string of dismal performances towards the end of the season. The Old Trafford faithful have started to lose patience now and hope that Solskjaer can bring about a swift turnaround.
However, the dark clouds hovering over Old Trafford do have a silver lining as United wrapped up their pre season in style, winning all the games they played. Also, with the addition of Harry Maguire, United’s defence sports a very different look now. Having said that, before the season opener against Lampard’s men, there are still a lot of issues that Ole needs to fix to get Manchester United back to the winning ways.
Let’s take a look at the few changes that are literally the ‘need of the hour’ for Manchester United if they want this season to pan out a bit differently than the last one.
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Pick players who have ability combined with obsessive zeal to win
When one puts on the United shirt, the player is expected to play with an abundance of passion and to put in their best efforts for the club every single time they step on to the field. To feel and understand the significance of the badge is of utmost importance. United legends like Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic and the recently retired Patrice Evra knew what they were playing for, and it was certainly not the riches or the fame that comes with signing for the club.
The present batch evidently lacks fire in their bellies. There is a frustratingly visible lack of passion and heart. Not performing just because of a fall out with the manager is simply unacceptable. Having said that, passion alone is not enough and without ability, it is futile. Experienced campaigners like Ashley Young & Phil Jones are passionate about the club but sadly, lack the skills required to help place United back on their long lost pedestal. United need leaders on the pitch.
Therefore, the bottom line is that Ole needs to pick and play guys who are the best of both worlds; talented, hungry and eager to leave a mark, as well as competent enough to fathom what it means to don a Manchester United jersey.
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Attend to the midfield crisis
Midfield is where the games are won and lost and Manchester United’s midfield has been a long-standing worry for them. Michael Carrick could not be replaced and Matic’s powers are clearly on the wane. Ole cannot afford to let want-away poster boy Pogba be shackled with defensive duties.
United need someone to fit into that position and by the looks of it, Scott McTominay seems the piece that would fit the jigsaw. His height and physicality at the heart of Manchester United’s midfield are vital for the team. He is also known for his dominance in the air as he sits at third, behind just Lukaku and Chris Smalling in the club’s rankings for successful aerial challenges.
United could also do with some more creativity in their midfield as Pogba has not been able to achieve the levels of consistency he has been associated with in the past. Bringing in someone like Bruno Fernandes, who scored and created a combined total of 33 goals in as many games for Sporting Lisbon last season will be highly beneficial for United. He, along with Paul will make for a dangerous combination, feeding assists to the front men, as well as picking their own spots when need be.
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Bring in a clinical striker
Lukaku is not the answer to this problem and it is crystal clear by now. United plan to start Rashford upfront this season which is surely a welcome change but fact remains that the club still lacks a clinical, ruthless fox in the box similar to the likes of Nistelrooy, ‘Chicharito’ and Andy Cole.
Under Sir Alex, United were exceptional in the art of playing counter-attacking football. While on the break, the ball was quickly spread to the flanks and crossed in for the forwards to meet and direct home. That has recently been replaced with defensive, and sometimes aimless possession football. Now we know that Ole is trying to get that counter-attacking style back and in James and Martial, the club has two decent wingers and lest we forget, a couple of really competent side backs in Luke Shaw and new recruit Wan Bissaka who is swift, can get behind defences and put in alluring crosses into the box but the problem is, someone needs to get on the end of these crosses.
Teenager Mason Greenwood certainly has our attention post this pre-season where he has been terrific so it will be interesting to see what plans the gaff has in store for him. Also, there have been reports linking the likes of Mario Mandzukic and David Neres to the Old Trafford which will make for some interesting transfer talk in the coming days as we count down to the start of the much-anticipated season.
