Another day, another defeat. For the first time in over two years, Man United lost two consecutive games. Both to rivals, and both could decide the title.
So, here go my thoughts on what has to happen...
Today's lacklustre performance against Liverpool exposed a lot of frailties in the team many expect to win the title. Edwin van der Sar's 40 years began to show, and for the first time in years I was worried every time he went near the ball. With his imminent retirement at the end of the season, we have no choice but to look for a new keeper, but we can't buy someone just because he might be good. He has to be good, and he has to be world-class. Stekelenburg is not good enough, from what I've seen of him. However, someone like Manuel Neuer is perfect.
Our defence is leaky, but very strong. Without Rio and Vidic, United have no-one, but Chris Smalling is one of the best young defenders in the world, never mind the country. He definitely shores us up, but who do you pair him with? If Rio and Vida are out, as today, Wes Brown is no replacement. Nor is Jonny Evans, so we have to think again. Likewise with full-backs - Rafael and Evra are the best we have, and Fabio ain't half bad either. But John O'Shea is not good enough, and playing Darren Fletcher at right back is possibly some of the worst tactical thoughts Fergie has ever had. I have more skill than John O'Shea. The constant links with Gareth Bale won't go away, so let's see if Fergie can wave his magic wand again...
And then we look at our midfield. It's not been this shaky in years. We've always known that without Scholes, there is no-one to pass the ball back or forth. And now, with the performances of Gibson, Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson the last few games, it's finally been proven. They have to be taught what to do, or sold before we become a laughing stock. The likes of Jack Rodwell, Jordan Henderson and Marek Hamsik have all been touted as potential replacements, and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least two of them in United shirts come the summer.
Wingers? Yeah, fine. Until you realise its Nani, the selfish, diving, moaning Portuguese 'star' we have in our ranks. I don't deny he has unbelievable skill, but based on this season, he clearly isn't good enough. He won't cross the ball, and seeing as that's his job, he needs to buck up his ideas or be shown the door. The upside is the return of Valencia, and the fact Giggsy has never played better, but if reports are to be believed, we're after Ashley Young. That could be a great signing, if Nani doesn't DO something.
And that brings us to strikers. Berbatov has been brilliant, as has Chicharito - both been on top form this season. Something is still bothering Rooney, but we can't bin Wayne - we just have to help him through it. Wayne is by far one of our best players, so we've got to have a think about how to get the best back out of him. Michael Owen is just a sap on resources, so bin him too. And get Danny Welbeck back from Sunderland - his loan spell has left him a much better player.
So that's my thoughts. Fergie won't take any notice whatsoever. But I couldn't care less - I feel a lot calmer. And hopefully, so do my team. Cos if they don't suddenly decide to play better, we've lost our 19th title.
Taken from General Musings of an Idiot: http://www.gmoai.com
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