How can ManUtd rebuild their squad?
About two summers ago, I blogged that United needed to buy Ribery. Instead, we ended up buying Nani. I never understood the logic of that. Coz they both ended up costing approximately the same amount. But on one hand, you had the finished article in Ribery. On the other, you had potential – another Ronaldo maybe. But why buy potential at that moment for that steep a price?! Especially when buying Ribery would’ve meant Benzema might’ve been tempted! Ignoring Torres was another mistake that SAF made (so did I!) but that is sorta acceptable because that could’ve gone either way. Just look at Jose Reyes etc.
Apart from the 80 million pound irreplacable hole, United has a bunch of places that need filling. So, who does Fergie buy this Jan, or this summer?
First and foremost, Marek Hamsik. We need to replace Scholesy, one of the best central midfielders of his generation. And from the little of Hamsik I’ve seen and the hype others have created, I think he is the guy! An attacking midfielder and playmaker, capable of surging runs. With Hargreaves, Fletch and Anderson, think our central midfield will be very capable with the addition of Hamsik.
Second, the wings. We need to dispose of Nani and Tosic. Even though I’ve not seen Tosic play, it is obvious he is not good enough if he has not started in almost a year. Angel Di Maria is an (expensive) option. But there are other options as well – Mesut Ozil or Juan Manuel Mata. Maybe even David Silva. But we definitely need one solid winger down the left-hand side. Obertan and Park are good back-ups.
Third, up front. We need to play around Berbatov and Rooney. Like we played around Ronaldo the last two seasons, the gaffer needs to structure the formation so Berbatov can do his magic. No signings are needed here as we have two great prospects in Macheda and Wellbeck. We just need to extract the best out of Dimi and Wazza.
Fourth, in central defense, we need another young centre-back. Giving up Pique was necessary as I felt Fergie was limiting his potential. And boy has he improved since going to Barca! In fact, he might develop into a fine libero. Fancy that! Anyways, we need a solid 19 year old to provide backup.
Full backs, probably the only position we will not need strengthening in a while.
Finally, the goalkeeper conundrum. The easiest thing would be to buy Igor Akinfeev. But I think in Tomasz Kuczsak, we have our future #1. Ben Foster, am not so sure about. But Fergie’s blind faith in him might hamper this situation and lead to Tomasz leaving, Foster failing and us eventually buying Akinfeev.
Overall, I think we are two people short of a great team and of course, a formation and style of play to extract the best from Berbatov and Rooney. So, here’s to buying Hamsik and a left winger. And Glory Glory Man United!
