4, IMPROVE BENCH STRENGTH
Manchester United are facing criticism from all quarters and are desperately trying to become the force of old. Injuries for quite a number of players and a resulting poor bench strength hasn’t helped the cause. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Ander Herrera, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have been injured at one point or the other. Suspensions for Rooney and Blackett have just further damaged the cause.
I hate to say this but Antonio Valencia is just not what United deserves. At one time you see him as a full back, then as a central midfielder, a winger and what not. Instead of selling players such as Michael Keane, Nick Powell, Danny Welbeck and Tom Clawrence, Valencia could have gone out. Central midfield goes have been somewhat taken care of by a certain Daely Blind and thank god he is there. Ashley Young is another such player who United ought to have sold.
Without Michael Carrick in the fray, United look frail and are easily broken down and crumble under pressure. Buying Sami Khedira would be a perfect choice for van Gaal in the next transfer window.
Injuries to Evans, Smalling and Jones has proven that we need a couple of good standby’s and we need at least one defender who would be part of the starting eleven day in and day out. Sadly, as of now, we don’t. And the fact that Jones, United’s best bet in Central defence, is prone to injuries, just makes matters worse. Buying Mats Hummels wouldn’t have caused much harm and recent reports that Raphael Varane decided to drop out on United as Jones came in is a bit sad.
Much can be said about Louis van Gaal and his fortunes with the Red Devils and in having said this, I bid adieu.