Last season was an anomaly simply because Chelsea imploded, City were not 'there' yet and Arsenal were, well rubbish.
Look at these stats and this is not down to defensive frailities, more the dearth in midfield talent that allows the opposition ball retention and chances on goal:
Total shots conceded in PL this season:
Man Utd 168,
Bolton 165,
Norwich 155,
Swansea 152,
Wigan 151,
Wolves 147.
This season City, Chelsea, even the bindippers have a FAR superior midfield. Tottenham with a Sandro - Parker axis allowing Modric to roam have a facr better balanced and talented midfield.
As Champ19ns (see what I did there??) how can United hope to defend the title with a midfield comprising of two or three of the following?:
Anderson - he's had his chance and he is still 2 stone overweight
Fletcher - above average, that's all
Carrick - good player, but plays the ball sideways too often. Only this way do his stats show a pass completion rate in the 90s percentage-wise.
Cleverely - a young talent who has ability but surely our season's hopes can't rest on him???
Giggs - too old
Gibson - too shit
Jones - too young and not a midfielder
United will continue to win games but because Rooney, Nani, Hernandez and Young as so good.
Ferguson has though got two youngsters in the youth team WHO ARE OUTSTANDING - and yes I have seen them! Step forward Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison.
It is too soon for them in the first team but here is the dilemma for Ferguson: - buy in January and/or summer what we desperately need which could show Pog and Mor they are further away from first team action or wait for the youngsters but United will lose more matches than they would otherwise would with a settled, experienced midfield.
Decisions, decisions........
No comments:
Post a Comment