As we approach the turn of the heat, it seems once again that the Reds are ready to hit top form after the festive period.
Over the years, United have always stuttered early on, before becoming an unstoppable force in the second half of the season, and this season is no different. After the recent thrashing of Fulham, coming days after another impressive away win at QPR, Fergie's men are in hot pursuit of league leaders City, and trail by just 2 points.
Since the derby day disaster in October, the reds have tightened up their leaky defence, conceding just 2 goals in 8 games in the league, with 6 clean sheets. United have also started firing on all cylinders in front of goal too, scoring 11 in their last 3 encounters.
However, injuries could be costly during this busy period. The 5-0 defeat of Fulham saw first Phil Jones, then Ashley Young suffer injury blows that'll keep them out for a few weeks, adding to the long list of stars currently unavailable for Sir Alex. The injury to Jones leaves Ferguson with just 3 senior centre backs, with Nemanja Vidic also out for the season.
Multiple transfer targets have been named here and there, with particular calls for a strengthening of the central midfield region, but Fergie remains defiant that no new signings are necessary in January. With the transfer window fast approaching, it will be interesting to see just what unfolds, and whether additions are brought in to boost a title challenge.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Fletcher Puts Health First
In recent weeks the Reds have been hit with a growing treatment table, and another one has been added to the list. Tireless performer Darren Fletcher has been given time off for the foreseeable future, as he seeks to recover from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, that has caused him trouble for the previous two seasons.
Fletcher missed out on the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last season at Wembley, a game he would've surely started in had he been at full physical fitness. He has attempted to battle through the illness this season, featuring on a number of occasions, and scoring against Manchester City and Benfica. It is testament to his desire and commitment that he has even attempted to conquer this illness whilst representing both United and Scotland, attributes that make him such an admired professional.
The temporary removal of Fletcher from United's ranks presents Sir Alex Ferguson with a problem in an area of the pitch where it is widely accepted he needs quality reinforcements.
Fletcher was an influential and energetic figure in central midfield, and has left a big hole to fill, with Ferguson now left with Michael Carrick, Ji-Sung Park and Darron Gibson.
The impressive Tom Cleverley is still sidelined with an ankle knock until the new year, and with the recent injury to Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones may be called upon to fill the vacancy in a central defensive role. Ryan Giggs can also be a candidate, but at 38 surely can't be expected to feature for 90 minutes every week. Wayne Rooney has also be tried in the midfield role, but it surely most effective up front, and suggestions are that youngsters such as Paul Pogba could be pushed into a first team slot.
The United manager said only last week that he was not intending to dip into the January transfer window but with Fletcher and Vidic now out for some time, he may need to think again.
Fletcher missed out on the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last season at Wembley, a game he would've surely started in had he been at full physical fitness. He has attempted to battle through the illness this season, featuring on a number of occasions, and scoring against Manchester City and Benfica. It is testament to his desire and commitment that he has even attempted to conquer this illness whilst representing both United and Scotland, attributes that make him such an admired professional.
The temporary removal of Fletcher from United's ranks presents Sir Alex Ferguson with a problem in an area of the pitch where it is widely accepted he needs quality reinforcements.
Fletcher was an influential and energetic figure in central midfield, and has left a big hole to fill, with Ferguson now left with Michael Carrick, Ji-Sung Park and Darron Gibson.
The impressive Tom Cleverley is still sidelined with an ankle knock until the new year, and with the recent injury to Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones may be called upon to fill the vacancy in a central defensive role. Ryan Giggs can also be a candidate, but at 38 surely can't be expected to feature for 90 minutes every week. Wayne Rooney has also be tried in the midfield role, but it surely most effective up front, and suggestions are that youngsters such as Paul Pogba could be pushed into a first team slot.
The United manager said only last week that he was not intending to dip into the January transfer window but with Fletcher and Vidic now out for some time, he may need to think again.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Changes Needed
United's defeat to Crystal Palace at the Theatre of Dreams really stated the need for Sir Alex Ferguson to look long and hard at his current crop of fringe players.
With the first team struggling in recent weeks, the Carling Cup clash was a chance for some of the reserves to stake a claim for a first team selection. However, they used the occasion to potentially end their Reds careers, with a number of potential replacements failing to step up to the plate.
On a night of few positives, the performance of Chris Smalling was the highlight, with a commanding display in the centre of defence, further enhancing his growing reputation. Ravel Morrison also looked lively when introduced after half time, and seems like a future star in the making.
But that was about as good as it gets, with the rest failing to catch the eye. The highly rated Paul Pogba failed to influence the game, and seems to be largely over-hyped. It is clear to see he is talented at his own age group, with his power and physique helping him dominate, but his lack of creativity is exposed in the first team, and he is as a result currently ineffective.
Elsewhere, long-time fringe players Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson did nothing to help their opportunities, and may well be offloaded soon. Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda also struggled to impact proceedings, with suggestions of loan moves for both in January. Ben Amos in net was nervous and indecisive, and Antonio Valencia put in a performance unlikely to worry the other wingers.
Dimitar Berbatov was another disappointment, offering nothing to the game, and was replaced at half time. His Old Trafford career appears to be coming to a close sooner rather than later. It highlights Fergie's obvious need for signings, with the Reds linked with hundreds of players around the globe. Improvements are required if United are to challenge City for the top spot, and regain their title.
With the first team struggling in recent weeks, the Carling Cup clash was a chance for some of the reserves to stake a claim for a first team selection. However, they used the occasion to potentially end their Reds careers, with a number of potential replacements failing to step up to the plate.
On a night of few positives, the performance of Chris Smalling was the highlight, with a commanding display in the centre of defence, further enhancing his growing reputation. Ravel Morrison also looked lively when introduced after half time, and seems like a future star in the making.
But that was about as good as it gets, with the rest failing to catch the eye. The highly rated Paul Pogba failed to influence the game, and seems to be largely over-hyped. It is clear to see he is talented at his own age group, with his power and physique helping him dominate, but his lack of creativity is exposed in the first team, and he is as a result currently ineffective.
Elsewhere, long-time fringe players Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson did nothing to help their opportunities, and may well be offloaded soon. Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda also struggled to impact proceedings, with suggestions of loan moves for both in January. Ben Amos in net was nervous and indecisive, and Antonio Valencia put in a performance unlikely to worry the other wingers.
Dimitar Berbatov was another disappointment, offering nothing to the game, and was replaced at half time. His Old Trafford career appears to be coming to a close sooner rather than later. It highlights Fergie's obvious need for signings, with the Reds linked with hundreds of players around the globe. Improvements are required if United are to challenge City for the top spot, and regain their title.
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