Let’s not forget why Manchester United won the Premier League…
MM’s Marios Papaloizou explains why the Reds’ lack of a major summer signing is no cause for concern.
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Leighton Baines, Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas, Gareth Bale, and Marouane Fellaini… Manchester United are racking up quite a list of players they have been linked with this summer.
Yet despite a number of formal bids being made, no signings have come through the Old Trafford doors.
Fierce rivals Manchester City have already splashed a whopping £90million on new players in order to mount a serious title challenge next season.
It has been widely acknowledged that United’s midfield is the area most in need of new bodies and Moyes has publicly stated that bringing in reinforcements in that area is crucial.
With Barcelona adamant that Cesc Fabregas will not be sold United’s options look to be wearing thin.
However, despite United’s lack of activity thus far there is no need for fans to be concerned.
As Premier League champions, United have an incredibly strong squad already in place.
The questions over the Reds’ midfield have been long-standing and the departure of Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher’s long-standing illness mean that United, ostensibly, look incredibly weak in the middle of the park.
People seem to forget that Paul Scholes only made eight league starts last season while Darren Fletcher made just two.
The absence of these two players hardly represents a major disruption to a Championship winning line-up.
Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverly, Phil Jones, and Ryan Giggs are all immensely talented midfielders that are more than capable of dominating any game.
Ryan Giggs was out and out the best player on the pitch during the second leg of United’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
With the likes of Xabi Alonso, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mesut Ozil on the pitch that is no easy feat for a 39-year-old man.
Similarly, Carrick has arguably been United’s best player over the past two seasons and, despite last season’s plaudits going to Robin Van Persie, Carrick’s performances could be cited as the catalyst to United’s success.
In Carrick, United have one of the league’s finest midfield players; his reading of the game, interceptions, and distribution are second to none.
Adding to this is Tom Cleverly. Although England’s midfield hopes are justifiably pinned on Jack Wilshere’s development, Tom Cleverly is representative of a fantastic all-round midfield option.
Cleverly has an incredible energy and always wants the ball at his feet, continually dropping off his marker to give team-mates options.
There are several further possibilities open to United that could solidify their midfield.
Moving Phil Jones into the position is an option that brings a robust energy to the area while the occasional brilliance of Anderson gives United drive and flair.
With Darren Fletcher also speaking about a possible comeback United could conceivably win the league with the squad currently in place.
In all other areas of the team United are strong. Their wingers underperformed last season but in Young and Valencia they have pace, penetration and consistent delivery.
Considering David Moyes generally favours a 4-4-1-1 formation that can rapidly transition into a 4-2-3-1 United have the necessary bodies to fill the two central midfield spots with great players.
Furthermore, with Rooney, Kagawa, and Welbeck all offering themselves as viable options in the no.10 role United have an array of talent vying for a small number of places.
While Moyes has sought to bring in Leighton Baines from his former club, Patrice Evra recaptured some of his finest form last season and can certainly do the left-back job for another season.
This is not to say that bringing in a player like Fabregas or Fellaini would not be beneficial to United’s ambitions; remaining static while your competitors strengthen is dangerous.
But let’s not forget that there’s a reason why United are Premier League champions and, despite what is being reported, the players in United’s midfield are of an incredibly high calibre.
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