Here are a few thoughts on football related matters from this week:
- Rafael - unfortunately as soon as he got the 2nd yellow last Sunday it was inevitable that he would be facing an additional FA charge. I would expect him to get a 2 game ban (one extra game for failing to leave the pitch). As others have pointed out over the course of the week, it does seem like one rule for United and another for everyone else as different players have reacted in a similar manner and get no extra punishment. United can certainly cope without him vs Birmingham and probably Blackpool and it will probably do the young Brazilian good to take some time out and reflect on what has been a pretty promising season for him. He can be a bit naive at times but it has to be remembered how young he is and he will learn more from the bad experiences such as this like he did following the red card against Bayern.
- Squad reshuffle - James Ducker in the Times has written this morning that he expects a squad overhaul to be undertaken in the summer. He expects the likes of Kuszczak and Wes Brown to leave with VDS and Gary Neville set to retire. Owen Hargreaves will surely be given until the end of the season to prove his fitness or will have to be shown the exit door. Whilst I agree with the above, I would guess it more likely that several younger players will come into the squad rather than buying up to six new players. The likes of Cleverley, Welbeck and Macheda could all return following their loan spells to boost the squad. Clearly, a new goalkeeper will be sought and I would expect this to be someone experienced as the United goalkeeper jersey has been somewhat of a poisoned chalice over the last 20 years, Schmeichel and Van Der Sar apart. The security and confidence exuded by a top class number one cannot be underestimated and this is one decision that cannot afford to go wrong. As for possible names, I would suggest the likes of Neuer, Adler, Van Stekelenburg, Julio Cesar will all be mentioned but I wonder if someone already in the Premier League will be chosen such as Craig Gordon at Sunderland. I would also imagine that Sir Alex will look to bolster his midfield options with a holding and creative player at the top of his list. I could possibly see both Carrick and Gibson leaving in the summer which would leave a hole in terms of numbers but would allow the boss to freshen up an area that has long been seen as a weakness.
- Patrice Evra - it is being reported again this week that our feisty French left back could well be heading towards Spain for a new challenge in the summer.While he would undoubtedly be a success both at Barcelona or Real Madrid, I am skeptical that he really wants to leave. I get the impression in interviews or media articles that he is proud to wear the red shirt and understands and respects the history that comes with it. These rumours have been around for a while which proves something is going on but hopefully it is just a case of his agent leaking some stories in order to get his client a bumper new contract. The player himself should recognise just how much being a United player has improved him and although five years is a decent stint, he should understand that the grass is not always greener and he may live to regret leaving a platform that gives him the adulation his performances deserve. He is rightly ranked in the top three left back's in Europe which should allow United to ask for big money if the Spanish giants call and surely only a huge offer would make them consider a sale.
- Youth Cup - I caught bits of the Youth Cup game last night and was pleased that the lads managed the victory at Upton Park. A few players look decent but the one who seems to warrant all the attention is Paul Pogba. He looks a real powerhouse with a good engine and a great shot on him. I am sure he will be knocking on the first team door really soon and he may even be taken along on the summer tour for experience. Others who have impressed me over this season and last are Will Keane, Tunnicliffe and Cofie. It would be great to see some of these breaking through to the first team in future but there are numerous examples of youngsters who failed to fulfil their early potential but fingers crossed with these lads. Another youngster with lots of ability is Ravel Morrison. A few stories have emerged recently regarding him and it is hoped that he knuckles down and makes the most of the amazing opportunity he has been given at United - he will not find a better place to learn his trade.
I hope to be back soon with a preview of the Birmingham game which is fast approaching as United look to consolidate their place at the top of the table.
If you have any comments about the article above, please leave them below and you can always follow me on twitter - I am in need of some new followers being so new to this!
No comments:
Post a Comment