Whilst Manchester City’s team is based around the exile of
one man, Carlos Tevez, Manchester United’s team is based around the efforts of
Rooney. This was apparent last night. Rooney has always been a hard working
player. He runs the length of the pitch over and over again switching from his
striking position to midfield and defence to bolster their efforts at any point
in the game. But why should he need to
do that?
Manchester United’s defence this season has been leaking
goals left, right and centre. De Gea has rarely looked impressive this season
and Lindergaard doesn’t look like he is ready for the challenge of a club like
United. As for the Back four they have been disastrous on many occasion. Last
season Vidic and Ferdinand were unbeatable and Evra and the Da-Silva Brothers
were attacking threats as well as unpassable defenders. This season Vidic has lost out to injury but with an
exceptional youngster like Chris Smalling waiting in the wings why Is this such
an issue. I must admit now I am not a fan of Evans and don’t think I ever will
be but if the issue is injury then buy a better defender. In a 25 man squad all
25 players should be able to start a game without a crowd or commentator
stating their doubt in the teams abilities. For me the United defence have
looked lack lustre in defence and fallen asleep one too many times. Ferdinand
has looked tired this season and evra has not lived up to his usual self. This
needs to be resolved urgently as I do not doubt either of these footballers
lack the ability to play in the Red Devils starting side.
United’s Midfield has looked no better to me. Cleverly has
been out injured recently and is just beginning to make his return which will
be a boost to United’s title chances . Scholes and Giggs are past the times
they could play 90 minutes and now look more like 30 minute bench stars
although I congratulate them on their recent goals in Giggs’ 900th
appearance. Ashley Young has just found some form recently but his lack of
movement when the opposing team have possession makes him a liability. Park Ji
Sung is still one of my all-time favourite United players and is insanely
underrated. I believe United need to
start involving him more in starting line ups.
Rooney’ striking partners are no less to blame for United’s
troubles. Berbatov has not performed at all this season and looks set to leave
in the summer as for Hernandez he has impressed me. He has scored 10 goals in
30 games and at the age of 23 he still has plenty of potential to become an
equal alongside Rooney. Hernandez currently however takes too much time on the
ball in the final third especially in the 6 yard box where United could be
putting away countless invaluable goals. Owen is currently out injured but his
return could be a good sign for united, scoring three in four games this
season.
Rooney is United’s packhorse but surely at some time this
will backfire into game of Buckaroo. Rooney has scored 27 goals in 32 appearances
this season which translates as he almost scores in every game he plays. But he
cannot carry the United team. I thought the commentator last night put it
correctly when he said that you would prefer Rooney to be on the end of a
midfield pass, not the one making it. Rooney would probably run back to play in
goal if it was allowed! Rooney cannot carry the team for much longer and with
Manchester United out of all competitions but the league. They need to up the
overall team performances to allow Rooney to thrive upfront, the position he is
supposed to play in.
So why can’t they win?
United can’t overwork Rooney. They need him to be fit as he
is their main source of goals. They do not have the luxury budget strikers of
Manchester City. They have 3 strikers (possibly four if Tevez returned) in the
form of Aguero, Dzeko and Balotelli. They are all seasoned internationals and
fantastic players in their own right. They do not have the pressure of running
City’s team as there are three of them and they are supported by a ridiculously
large squad bought by the Sky Blues’ wealthy owner and his unlimited wallet.
For me this is why they will falter nearer the end of the season. Now they have
overtaken the Citizens, United supporters believe the title is theirs already
because they have a kind run in but if you look in detail the run in is far
from easy.
Wolves are always a thorn in United’s side, their defenders
are deadly from set pieces. United’s first major problem however will be
Blackburn who beat the devils 3-2 earliar in the season at Old Trafford. This
will be a big test. Shortly after that they face Wigan away who have drawn with
both Chelsea and Liverpool earlier in the season. After Villa play an inevitably losing match United
enter the danger zone. The next 4 games will probably decide United’s season. Everton
at home will be an opening test as Moyes’ side are formidable wherever they go.
Then comes the biggest test, City will
aim to derail the Red’s title bid, 6-1 earlier in the season has to say
something about their abilities. Swansea at home will still be testing, they
were the team that caused City to lose their 2 point lead. Sunderland follow
that game and who knows what could happen there!
The way United have played recently I can’t see this season
being theirs!
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