So, we have signed Robin Van Persie this week. This is quite a big signing for United. Lately, the Reds have had trouble luring the biggest of names to Old Trafford. Often losing these players to more money or more sunshine. As good as RVP may or may not be for us, this was a purchase that was meant to state something. It says we can attract the biggest players, we can spend when we want to and we are here to stay.
As a statement, it is a pretty good one. It says all the right things. It reminds the competition who we are and what we will do to make sure we are the best. The other big thing this signing accomplishes is that it puts another big name on the field that can share scoring responsibilities with Rooney. This should be extremely helpful to Rooney and help is overall form. As far as the player himself, I think he is a good striker. I think he was a little on the pricey side. We also are not short of players in the strikers department. I am all for creating competition in the ranks but, sometimes the wrong message can be sent. That wrong message is being sent to Dimitar Berbatov. But, I doubt this is any surprise to Berba and I am sure he had expected or is expecting to leave this summer. I will be sad to see him go. He is a great player, probably the most underrated player in the world. I have not seen a player with the magnificent touch and sublime vision he has since Zidane. I hope that if he does leave that he is able to move to a big team where he will play. He is an amazing talent and true professional. If he does stay, I hope he gets the chance he deserves.
Still there other players this signing impacts. Tactically, I am still trying to figure out what SAF is planning. One thing is sure, someone will be left out. It is likely that the old master is looking to use the 4-3-3 that he used often during the 07/08 and 08/09 seasons. In this case it was Ronaldo Rooney and Tevez/Berbatov that he was implementing. This three pronged attack and was probably our strongest side in recent years. If SAF plans to use this formation, it will be the wingers that suffer. Will he continue to play wingers like Nani, Young and Valencia in a 3 man midfield? Its unlikely. Sir Alex will most likely focus on triangle in the midfield with players like Cleverly and Kagawa at the head of that triangle behind the three attackers. Of course, it is possible that Nani or Young could play along side Rooney or RVP. However Valencia is an out and out winger and unlikely to play up top in a 4-3-3. He could of course feature as a right back as he has before. We are lacking in that position and he has served as adequate in this position in the past. I don't think it allows for him to live up to his true potential. As our most consistent wide player, I would not want to place him there often. It will be very interesting to see how this all plays out. Hopefully there will be enough rotation that we will get to see these guys in some action. Other than that if SAF does stick with the 4-4-1-1 then the selection problems will be down to just the strikers. Either way we will have to wait and see. There is something that I am interested in seeing. I have this sneaking feeling that Michael Carrick will be playing more often at center back. Not just when we have 10 injuries. He played there some during the tour and has done well there. So it would not be the worst idea and it provide great cover if Rio or Vida get injured again.
All things aside the new season is starting and I'm sure Fergie is focused on getting hes trophy back. I would like to see United get some defensive cover before the transfer window closes. I am unsure if it will actually happen. United have plenty of fire power going into this campaign and I hope that we take advantage of that. We should be seeing some pretty exciting football from the reds considering the options we have. Fergie definitely has some selection problems to deal with but I am sure that it is a problem he does'nt mind having. Cheers to a great season!
Glory Glory Man United!
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