Taking a closer look at the current United squad and the signings the Club has made this season; you then tend to ask, Do United really need a defensive midfielder? For some reason, i do not think so and i will defend my reasoning as follows;
United may switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation this season
With the signing of Kagawa Shinji, United seem to be showing their hand; demonstrating that there will be a strong resolve this season to return to prominence in the Champions League. Kagawa's arrival may signal Wayne Rooney's return to the lone striker's role where he thrived in the 2009/2010 season where he ended the season with 34goals in 44games as United got knocked out at the Quarter Finals stage of the Champions League, note that Rooney got injured in the first leg and made a shock return in the second. Rooney has displayed immense adaptability in the last couple of seasons, his return last season of 35goals in 45games playing in the hole; this however is not the point. With the rebirth of Paul Scholes, especially with his adaptability to playing in a deeper role and his range of passing; a pairing with Micheal Carrick in deep Midfield would mean United's resolve to operate mainly by breaking up play and with Rooney alone upfront; United are able to press high up the pitch utilizing the bundle of energy that Rooney possesses. Effectively, it signals a return to the 4-5-1 days where United look to lock down their opponents in the midfield, now the introduction of Kagawa is to aid United's movement and fluidity; remember in 2008 when United won the Champions League, the team had Tevez, Ronaldo and Rooney; all very adaptable players with solid movement on and off the ball, this formed an integral part of the United success of that season.
With this in mind and its execution perfected, the team may not require the services of a hard tackling midfielder that more often than note may slow down the attacking play of the team, in essence stifling the quick counter attacking play of United with Valencia, Young and Nani on the wings. On paper, it looks like a brilliant idea especially in Europe, its full implementation to perfection is yet to be seen.
Do United already have a hard tackling midfielder cum defensive midfielder in there ranks
I had this discussion with a renowned pundit lately and he is of the opinion that United already have a defensive midfielder in its ranks, stating that he believes that Sir Alex has considered the financial implication in today's market of getting such more renowned names like Javi Martinez, Sami Khedira etc when he can move Phil Jones to that position knowing fully well that he played in that role whilst at Blackburn. The problem with this is simple, does Phil Jones have the required discipline to excel in the role on the European stage? The solution is NO, in my opinion Phil Jones may excel in the role in the premiership where there's a high concentration on the energy, physical and tenacious aspects of the game, but in Europe where there's a reliance on technique and superior technical ability; he will be found wanting.
The Return of Vidic
Captain Fantastic as he is known in United circles has been immense since joining the Red Devils in 2006, his fearless defensive stance has given United a huge reassurance at the back and anytime he is missing from the United Line up; United fans become apprehensive. Since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2006; he has helped United increase its clean sheet percentage from 47% to as high 57% and his absence for the better part of last season was quite glaring; just imagine if he was on the pitch United may not have conceeded six against City nor 4 against Everton at Old Trafford. He's return may have informed the need not to sign n a holding midfielder, due to his good organizational skills, tackling and physicality.
The Lucas Moura Pursuit
Is Sir Alex thinking what I am thinking? The loss of the league title on goals difference may just be the reason why Sir Alex in concentrating on boosting his attacking options. Lucas Moura is an attacking midfielder, Kagawa Shinji and Nick Powell as well are attacking players; meaning United would not lack in the goals scoring stakes, hence eliminating any chance of losing the title on goals difference.
Note, United will score tonnes of goals this season, no matter how they line up.
Conclusion
As always, comments, suggestions and opinions are always welcomed as the write up reflects my humble opinion; i'd love United fans especially to critique this write up and lets know what you think, would love the banter. Please lets have a discussion on this piece.
With barely 18days to the next installment of the biggest Summer Football Party/carnival; watch out for our preview(s) to the event as we highlight the teams to watch out for and the players expected to excite at the event.
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Adeyemi Adesanya
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