Getting rid of these two superstars could be Manchester United’s best option
The last few weeks have served as somewhat of a reality check for Manchester United after their magnificent run of form was not only halted; but has been followed by a drastic change in fortunes.
Their latest defeat to West Bromwich Albion was not only their third successive loss, but also saw the Red Devils make it three games in a row without even finding the back of the net.
Just a month ago things were looking rosy at Old Trafford, and they had their sights set on second place after impressive victories over Tottenham and Liverpool before an emphatic display against rivals Manchester City saw them run out 4-2 winners.
It seemed Louis van Gaal had finally found a system and starting 11 that would bring about a solid end to the season with the goals starting to fly in.
But remarkably Chris Smalling’s header on April 12 was the last time United got on the score sheet, and their recent run must come as a real worry to the manger.
Thankfully Van Gaal’s side still hold a four-point advantage over Liverpool with three games remaining; which should be enough to secure a return to the Champions League which was their primary focus at the beginning of the season.
But having failed to register a point or even a goal in defeats to Chelsea, Everton and West Brom, it shows there is plenty of work to be done and those getting carried away with talk of a title challenge may have to rethink such claims.
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So where’s it gone wrong for United? And how can the Dutchman solve United’s attacking problems?
Perhaps the biggest issue for the Reds has been the injury problems. Michael Carrick’s absence from the side since leaving the field in the closing stages of the Manchester derby has had a huge effect on the team both in defensively and in attack, and they haven’t looked the same since.
The holding midfielder had been a key part of the team while they went on that winning run, kick starting attacks and shielding the defence ensuring they looked more solid. It’s no coincidence that since losing him, that they have lost three league games in a row for the first time since December 2001, and failed to score in three successive games since 2007.
United have shown they have nobody who can perform anywhere near as effectively as Carrick, and this has also had an effect on the role Wayne Rooney has been playing in recent weeks.
The England striker had been performing brilliantly as the main man in attack, coinciding with the good run of results. But ever since Carrick’s injury he has been forced to drop back, often playing in midfield and as a result United have lost his effectiveness when going forward.
With Rooney playing a deeper role, this had led to both Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie getting starts in the team, but once again they have failed to impress.
Falcao continues to struggle and looks like a man hugely short on confidence, while Van Persie’s return from injury at the weekend probably couldn’t have gone any worse. The Dutchman looked rusty and missed a few good chances before seeing his spot kick saved to sum up a terrible afternoon.
Although they have both proven themselves to be two fantastic strikers, to ensure they stop the losing streak Van Gaal needs to revert back to the side that looked so impressive just last month. And that means pushing Rooney upfront on his own and leaving out the other two.
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Rooney has shown he is most effective playing up top, and going forward into next season this is how he should be deployed. The manager has a decision to make about Falcao, one that should result in him playing his football elsewhere next season after failing to deliver on numerous occasions.
And as for Van Persie, he’s sure to come good again and so selling him wouldn’t be the best of decisions particularly given his experience. But maybe his days as a first choice striker are coming to an end, and although it takes a brave man to keep him on the bench, this could be the best option for United especially in the big games.
There’s no doubting they need further investment in attacking areas, and the addition of Memphis Deepay would prove most welcome. But it’s cover for Carrick that they also need, to ensure Rooney’s attacking threat is not wasted and he can remain upfront.
It’s going to be another interesting summer at Old Trafford, but despite talk of a new striker it wouldn’t be the worst decision to hold back from signing one. With Rooney leading the line, and Van Persie in reserve there isn’t room for another big name in the side, and with Javier Hernandez due to return from Real Madrid at the end of the season, you could argue they already have enough options.
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