While I still possess some faith in van Gaal and definitely wouldn't sack him, I don't think we'll make top four this season. Right now we're looking at another lackluster season, even if we do manage to remain in the top four. Standards have dropped, we know this, everyone knows this. The manager is receiving his fair share of criticism, some of it definitely warranted. But I wanted to take a closer look at other areas of the club that have declined since the Ferguson era, other than the manager of course.
First-team squad:
This has been a topic of discussion for quite sometime now, even in Ferguson's final year when we won the title. Lets take the rose-tinted glasses off for a minute now, how many personal within the squad are genuinely irreplaceable? The goalkeeper, for me, is the only one. Alarm bells should immediately be ringing when this is the case with a Manchester United squad. I'm sorry but we're going to have to be massively severe in our criticisms now, because the players have produced absolute dross for two seasons running. I've praised the likes of Young, Fellaini and Valencia this season, but it's becoming apparent to me that I'm simply praising them for their work ethic and not their actual ability. These tree players in particular simply do not possess the talent to play for Manchester United, yet they've perhaps been some of our better performers this season. Work ethic should be a given when you're playing for Manchester United. The penny has dropped with regards Rafael, and it can't be far behind for Smalling, Jones and Evans either in all seriousness. Carrick and van Persie, two key players, are aging and deteriorating. I'll be less harsh on the new signings as I understand it isn't always easy joining Manchester United. Mata regularly receives praise, and I like him as a player, but we bought him from Chelsea's bench? I believe a lot of our players haven't, or don't, possess the cojones to play for Manchester United. I'm perhaps being very critical here, but this is Manchester United.
Grade: D-
Transfer policy:
Not sure I can be overly harsh on Woodward, as he did deliver signings in the summer eventually. We definitely overpaid for some players but it is a hell of a lot better than seeking value in the market, for me. Has the transfer policy been perfect? No. Has it been consistent? No. But I understand we are attempting to rectify the squad by spending big money. Definite room for improvement and I reckon we'll continue to take the sugar daddy approach 'til we get it right. Definitely think it was a mistake to not sign someone in January.
Grade: C-
Reserves and academy:
We saw Blackett and McNair come through this season, only because of necessity due to injuries though. They've been so-so and I'm pretty sure neither are ready, the jury is still out. Wilson has been afforded a few chances and he has impressed me, I'd have him ahead of Falcao and van Persie from here on in, but that's probably saying more about the two old fellas. Januzaj is a genuine talent but his form has varied, he's had a difficult season. I can understand Moyes' and van Gaal's resistance to sometimes not playing academy players as the pressure to return results has been exceptionally high, and rightfully so. There is now talk of Pereira leaving so I think questions should be asked regarding our academy. Our best young players should not be leaving on a free, this is completely unacceptable.
Grade: C
I'm well aware these three areas are under van Gaal's control but surely a club of Manchester United's size should have the best and brightest working continuously throughout these operations? Why is it that standards have dropped so low? Manchester United are currently inadequate and something needs to be done. How do we improve these areas, assuming van Gaal will be allowed further time with the club? My major concern remains the players to be honest.
Man United: Substandard
posted on 11/3/15
The first team squad, on paper, is way ahead of the 2012/2013 squad.
The only area that is weaker is the CBs. Every other position is equal or strengthened.
posted on 11/3/15
Game isn't played on paper. Van Gaal can't get them playing on grass.
posted on 11/3/15
"Not sure I can be overly harsh on Woodward, as he did deliver signings in the summer eventually. "
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The amount of money we have spent is often used as a stick to beat LVG with.
I blame Woodward for the amount of money we have spent. His negotiating doesn't fill me with confidence.
Look at all the Cesc saga.. That was laughable. Since then, he just seems to throw money at the problem. We've overpaid for every player we've brought in since Woodward took over (maybe not Blind).
I am sure we'll see him in the summer with the usual "watch this space" nonsense.
posted on 11/3/15
comment by Stretford_Ender85 (U10955)
posted 4 minutes ago
Game isn't played on paper. Van Gaal can't get them playing on grass.
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Have Manchester United appointed two managers in a row with such clueless tactics that the players have looked unimaginative, spineless and slow?
posted on 11/3/15
We have the stadium, finances, support and marketability to rival any club on the planet. Unfortunately we have the squad and playing style that can barely rival Swansea City.
SAF started this nightmare scenario when Ronaldo left...we replaced the best player in the world (and Tevez) with Valencia, Orbetan and Owen. Subsequent signings since including such talents as Bebe, Diouf, Buttner, Zaha, Powell and Kagawa who were all complete flops. Henriquez may turn out good but will he ever get a chance here I doubt it.
Smalling and Jones were over hyped and overpriced - they have yet to convince anyone and I would not lose any sleep if both were sold.
RvP, Hernandez and De Gea were all positives but in general we went from a team of real talent to an average bunch sprinkled with the odd star player and aging greats as clearly evident in our last league winning campaign.
The SAF effect would almost guarantee us an extra 15 points a season imo so we got away with carrying a few average players, Moyes being hired though was a calamitous mistake and his two signings did smell of panic although I do really rate Mata.
LvG then had to rebuild a fallen empire that had just lost three of the first choice back four in one go along with Giggs. I also think he believed in his own hype and ability to improve players a little too much. He offloaded some cack but not nearly enough, now I think he is really appreciating how difficult a job he has and in that respect I do feel for him but he has also not helped himself this season with his constant changing of the team, bizarre tactics and dodgy substitutions which are now becoming the norm.
A lot of people on JA606 do not believe a big overhaul of playing staff is required, I certainly think so. It will take a seriously drastic approach in the summer to give us a chance to compete again which will be made even more difficult should we not finish in top 4 (which I don't think we will).
This team quite frankly needs a couple of top class defenders, midfielders and at least another forward with pace. It then needs a full summer of getting the set up right to maximize the talent we'd have. Only then with a consistent team and approach can we even think about winning the title again. This for me is going to go two ways; the Liverpool route of years of obscurity or just a not so small blip that sees us challenging for major honors again in the next year or so.
posted on 11/3/15
Spot on ninja tho i dont agree that it can go the liverpool way..that was then this is now and utd only need a few players. Lvg simply has to do better in the transfer market. This is my worry. Super agents have their favoured clubs now and the Traffic of top players now gets dictated by them.
posted on 11/3/15
Ninja
Always said that losing Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra in one fell swoop was a bigger blow than anyone had realised. None of Evans, Jones or Smalling have really stepped up and took control of the defence like those three could. Always thought it was your biggest fault so I was pretty surprised you were signing players like Shaw and Rojo.