Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Injuries

The past few years have been tough for United injury wise. With the exception of the 2010-2011 season, United have struggled with defensive injuries. Here we are again with Nemanja Vidic being reported to be out for 8 weeks. This is awful news. Our defensive performances have not been very good of late and the loss of our captain can do nothing but make it worse.

 Everyone seems to be criticizing Patrice Evra for his performances recently. They have reason to because he has not been spectacular in recent games. However He is the only defender that we have that has not been injured in the past 3 seasons. I think he has played more games than any other outfield player in EPL over the past 4 years. That is quite an accomplishment. Still that does not save United from facing another possible defensive injury crisis.

The good news is that Darren Fletcher seems to making a go at getting back in the team. I truly hope he can make it back. Not to sound dramatic but he could be a make or break player. A back in form fletcher would provide several things United are in dire need of.

First he would provide much needed cover for the back for. Carrick Scholes and Co are not DMs. Fletcher could shield the back four while winning balls in the middle of the pitch. So even if United are relying on some of our more inexperienced defenders, Fletch may be able to provide some support. Second, the Scottsman could add to United's keeping the ball in games. In the seasons leading up to his unfortunate illness, Fletch had no problem moving the ball up the field and distributing out wide or up top etc. While not at the same level as Scholesy or Kagawa, Fletcher does bring a range of passing that would be beneficial in matches where the midfield is under heavy pressure.

This would be an enormous boost to the United's Side espeacially with injuries already starting to mount up. After hearing about Vida's new injury, I have to admit, I went into panic mode. Immediately, I went straight to saying we absolutely need to look for another experience CB in Jan. I have since calmed down. Still one wonders if that might not be a good idea. Although, United do possess some young defensive talent. The fact that many of these players such as Jones and Smalling seem to be constantly getting sidelined with injuries, often makes them of no use to us. I can't deny their talent would be very excited to see them have run in the side. But, I am worried that these injuries could continue after we are without Rio and Vida, which is not far off. Regardless, I am staying positive. Hopefully we will have Darren Fletcher back in the Midfield soon and Vidic back not long after that.

Big Matches this week that should prove to be very interesting! The Magpies tomorrow and Spurs on Saturday. These could be our two most difficult matches yet.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED