Manchester United – Fergieai??i??s Summer Signings Worked On More Than One Front

By Nipun Malhotra
12 years Ago

Manchester United’s summer signings have had an instant effect on the squad dynamics. THT examines how Fergie’s new signings have reinvigorated his troops.

Comfort breeds complacency which in turn leads to mediocrity. Mediocrity, just as the name suggests, knows nothing better than itself; ergo, competition has to be the propellant that fuels success. Life is nothing but a competition to be the criminal rather than the victim.Ai??Clearly, Sir Alex Ferguson has undying faith in this adage. The constant resuscitation has been an outstanding feature of the Scotsmanai??i??s 26 years at the helm of Manchester United, as Ferguson has time and again reinvigorated his squad to maintain that fresh vibe and enthusiasm among his troops.

The colossal emphasis on tactics and formations these days has often blinkered the modern fan towards the pros of man management ai??i?? an art which is conspicuous by its absence.Ai?? Ferguson has been the flag bearer and of his innumerable qualities as a football manager perhaps the ability to rebuild squads remains unmatched in modern football.

Last season, Manchester United were pipped to the post by less than the length of the fingernail and to make matters worse the victors were none but their much despised rivals City. United fans clamored for additions to the ailing midfield but instead Ferguson chose to add more fire power to an already strong front line. Kagawa and RVP were the marquee signings and we all wondered whatai??i??s Fergie playing at? Even though Shinji Kagawa would add some finesse to the dour midfield, this wasnai??i??t theAi??archetypalAi??central midfield general the masses had hoped for. There was cautious optimism in and around the Theatre of Dreams on how the signings would fare. Alexander Buttner, a little known left back from the not so glamorous football club Vitesse, was signed and with no international experience under his belt with fans fearing whether he would prove another Bebe in the making.

A dozen league games into the season and it would hardly be a hyperbole to suggest that the signings have worked like a charm.Ai?? Not only do the signings look impressive on their own but what has really been impressive is the fact that the squad is brimming with competition all over again. Complacency has been completely eliminated and there is hardly any time to rest on your past laurels.

The Robin Van Persie signing has made sure that the likes of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez are constantly on their marks and looking to improve with each passing game.Ai?? Four senior strikers, all vying for two and at times just one staring spot in the playing eleven makes for fierce competition and so far Chicharito has responded to call with untold aplomb. Ai??The Mexican has been on fire and itai??i??s seems laughable to even think there were suggestions in the media of Chicharito being surplus to the United cause.Ai?? As of now, Van Persie and Hernandez look like the most deadly duo upfront for the Red Devils but be rest assured Danny Welbeck with his versatility will have his say soon enough. Ai??Also, the likes of Welbeck and Hernandez can learn a lot from Van Persie – a professional at the peak of his mind-boggling powers.

Also, Patrice Evraai??i??s form had been a cause of concern for more than two seasons and it was surprising that the manager had let the rot set in for that long. No competition for the left-back berth had made Evra almost unassailable and omnipresent despite performing below average. Playing devilai??i??s advocate here, but the French full-back seemed over worked with having to play in all major competitions and with hardly any cover in the squad. But the Buttner signing has given Patrice the much overdue wake-up call and Evra seems to be getting back to his older reliable ways.Ai?? Even the goals have flown in but that is just a sign of confidence and self-belief indeed does wonders to a playerai??i??s outlook. Furthermore, Buttner provides an option for Ferguson in cup competitions and relatively easier home games thus enabling the manager to rest his much older first choice full back.

In months to come and as the season rolls on, Shinji Kagawa will return to fitness and invariably regain form. Ai??Wayne Rooney currently occupies that much coveted position in the hole behind the front man in Unitedai??i??s now customary 4-4-1-1 or as the attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1, but Kagawa could have his say soon. AAi?? Manchester UnitedAi?? side without their talisman Wayne isAi?? unthinkable but Ferguson hardly ever shirks from taking the tough call. Rooney is known to go for off the boil for periods and although he always works hard for his teamai??i??s cause, Kagawa provides an option for Sir Alex which the manager didnai??i??t have previously.

Meanwhile, Rooney has seen Van Persie take a lot of plaudits and perhaps threaten his position as the main man at OT, certainly a new phenomenon ever since Ronnie left these shores.Ai?? Rooney has played a much deeper role this season and as a consequence has seen his goals scored column take a major hit. If it came down to choosing one of RVP or Rooney would the managerAi?? trust the ever reliable Rooney or the more competent striker Van Persie, on current form it would be hard to go against the Dutchman. However,Ai??this might just fire the England international into regaining his hunger in front of goal and United fans could get to see the bulldozing Rooney of yore.

For now, every signing Ferguson has made this summer must be commended for they have been double edged swords, like killing two birds by one stone.Ai?? Competition will get fiercer as the big games keep coming thick and fast, only the best will make it through the tough grind and that is exactly how it should be, especially at a club like Manchester United.

Categories: Features
Tags: Manchester United Transfers

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