And The Window Slammed Shut …
Finally, Sir Alex Ferguson was as good as his word when he proclaimed his satisfaction with the current United squad and denied new additions were necessary.
The summer transfer window has slammed shut, with United boasting just one new midfielder and a goalkeeper from a close season which could have been entitled ‘much ado about little.’ Five players have left the club, although two of those widely thought to be on the conveyor belt out of Old Trafford – Silvestre and Richardson - have remained. Fans did not know whether to laugh or cry when news filtered out from Old Trafford that the Frenchman had managed to get his contract renewed.
Sir Alex was either unwilling or unable to bring in the extra central midfielder or the striker that might have given the squad more weight for the serious challenges ahead.
Some fans will look at the team’s bright start and wish to throw rotten tomatoes at any observer who points to a squad heavy in defenders, light in midfield and an injury or suspension away from being threadbare in attack.
Surely Sir Alex Ferguson is not fooled by a series of victories against teams who are unlikely to trouble the trophy polishers this season or the next. United ran riot during an enjoyable August and put weaker sides to the sword, something that has not always proved so easy. But the tests that will come now with ever increasing rapidity, will shed far greater light on United’s chances this season than Fulham, Charlton and Watford ever could.
Sir Alex has reason to be content with his side top and Arsenal, a suspected rival, languishing in 17th position. Chelsea are off the pace too having suffered an unexpected away defeat at struggling Middles borough.
And yet, many of the doubts which clouded Fergie’s summer remain. Having spoken some weeks ago of the need for his side to be ‘lucky’ with injuries, Ferguson will be dismayed to discover that United’s injury curse has struck already with the season just three weeks old.
Michael Carrick’s league debut was delayed by an ankle injury picked up in an unwisely scheduled Saturday night game in Amsterdam. Gary Neville lasted one match before succumbing to the injury that blighted his World Cup campaign. Gabriel Heinze, sterling in the colours of Argentina last June, is back on the treatment table, a victim of his own World Cup valour. Rio’s bruised toe and Vidic’s broken wrist add to Sir Alex’ defensive uncertainty.
Few will have been able to make up their minds definitively about the composition of United’s new-look midfield, for no real challenge materialised in the season’s first three encounters. That said, Scholes looked sharp in his one outing whilst Fletcher should take confidence from the excellence of his opening goal against Charlton. John O’Shea, a Makalele one week, a Mal Donagy the next, suffers from his own versatility. Park runs and runs but when he stops, can’t seem to find the goal, whilst Ronaldo has shown courage in the face of English chauvinism. The good form of Ryan Giggs has been a delight.
United will need all of their players to return from the international fixtures with the energy and enterprise that have marked the team’s play so far. Tottenham Hotspur, who have blown hot and cold in the league this term, are sure to have the required motivation when facing old-boy Michael Carrick. No introduction is required for the importance of the game with Arsenal.
Sandwiched between the two is a must-win match at Celtic where the Scottish champions will be ready for the Battle of Britain. September ends with another vital fixture away at nemesis Benfica. A good performance is vital for United’s confidence too, given how alarmingly it was shredded in six lacklustre matches last season.
Victory would signal United’s European intent and restore a belief that on the road, the team can emerge victorious. Otherwise United will be in danger of justifiying a reputation as home titans and away turnips in this elite competition. AU
© Copyright: Absolutely United 2006
