UNITED ONLY NEED ONE PLAYER FOR THE NEW SEASON ACCORDING TO SIR ALEX
Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 by Stuart Stratford
Sir Alex Ferguson sought to explain his inactivity this summer in the transfer market by blaming Euro2008. Speaking at his Charity Golf Day in Loch Lomond, Ferguson said,
The European Championships derails transfer activity. Nothing really happens when the Championships are on. Obviously now that is all over, people settle down. Managers are back at their clubs and you can get some dialogue if they are interested.
In this respect, Ferguson’s words should be interpreted as being one new addition and replacing anyone who leaves. He went on to comment that United would probably only buy one player and a younger one at that whilst avoiding talk of Crisitano Ronaldo’s future. At the weekend it emerged that it is the player himself who appears to be agitating for a move, his agent Jorge Mendes believing that another season at Old Trafford would suit his career better.
Assessing the United squad is not easy in the light of a double-winning season but to believe that only one player is required is an earnest statement of trust in his players. With Edwin van der Sar, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all closer to retirement that anything else, the new generation has the chance to make its mark at Old Trafford. In defence, he has a stable group of players although there have been murmurings that Mikael Silvestre is keen to move on for more regular first team action. United boast the strongest central defensive pairing in the Premier League but are less convincing when either of Vidic or Ferdinand is missing.
Midfield is their strongest area with Hargreaves, Carrick, Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Ronaldo, Fletcher and Scholes all regularly vying for starting places. With the players able to play in any number of positions there or further up the pitch, United are able to cover for the lack of cover up front with Rooney and Saha both available. They have been lucky in recent seasons in that both have been injured for spells but rarely at the same time. Whether Saha can continue as a United player remains to be seen, not having the opportunity to shine due to his time on the sidelines. Doubts persist and he has been strongly linked with a move away from the club.
One thing is for certain, United were the most consistent team in the final third of the season and able to take advantage of Arsenal’s slips in the run-in. With Chelsea strengthening on and off the pitch and Arsenal learning from their experience, United look to have a tough defence of their title one that Ferguson is no doubt relishing.
Tags: Football, Manchester United, premier league, Soccer, Transfer Rumours
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