After last week and this weekend, I think I'd rather not discuss the EPL and United's results. A loss to the scousers and Chelsea in the same week are tough pills to swallow. So, I think I'll let that settle a few days and not mention those disasters today. Instead I want to touch on a subject that is continually brought up when everyone is talking about what the reds are and aren't missing.
"Manchester United still haven't replaced Roy Keane". I have pretty strong and mixed feelings on this. Roy Keane was a giant. He may be remembered by many for his clashes with Patrick Veira and his tackle on Haland. But, the United faithful remember the his powerful presence and determination on the pitch. The moments I remember are his heroic and selfless display against Juventus in the Champions League semi final in 1999 and his always crucial and timely goals. He really is one of the greatest to pull on the shirt.
Anywho. I recently saw an article citing Teddy Sherringham as stating that Manchester United need a leader and still havent replaced Roy Keane. I haven't heard this being spoken around as much until right after United's first loss in the league this season. Convenient. Roy Keane is irreplaceable. His powerful personality is one of a kind. But, United is now a very different Side than during the days of Roy Keane. The Reds have adapted in and changed their style of play over the years. This has been the difference that has made them successful.
Anyone who says that Manchester United are without a leader are seriously out of touch. The side may not possess a player with fiery personality like Keane but, there are many leaders with in the United side. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes forever provide presence and inspire magic on the pitch. Their lasting
influence has been hugely important over the past years. This along with the amazing defensive partnership of Vidic and Rio in the back has given us plenty of experience and strength to be successful.
Roy Keane's performance and duties while on the field have been taken over by many players. no more so than Darren Fletcher. Fletcher's tireless movement and break up of play creates space and allows Paul Scholes to distribute the ball around the field. He brings an energy to the United side that is sorely missed when he is not on the pitch. (like at Anfield). His emergence as one of the top midfielders in the EPL is a huge reason why we no longer need player to replace Keano.
I understand why many believe United are missing the skills and or personality of someone like Roy Keane. And I can't lie. I would have loved to see him deal with Liverpool's antics at Anfield this weekend or with Tevez and city last season. However I do think United have grown as a team since Keane's departure in 2005 and are more than capable of handling the likes of Arsenal without him. Unlike many other teams in the EPL (Arsenal cough cough), United continually evolve and develop their football. This has to be done to survive in English football not to mention to keep bringing home silverware. So to those who continue to cling to the past and claim the United side still need to find Roy Keane's replacement, I say look at the stats. The Reds won 3 EPL trophies in the 3 years following Keanes departure an none in the 3 years leading up to his exodus. All points aside Sir Alex usually knows what he is doing. Even if most of us disagree, he usually turns out right in the end (Berba). Thats all for now. Lets hope the Reds beat up on Arsenal this weekend to make up for an abysmal 2 games last week.
